Box Score LAKE CHARLES, La. – McNeese utilized the three-point shot to grab a second half lead and hold on for the victory defeating Lamar University, 66-57, Sunday afternoon in the final game of the McNeese MTE tournament. The loss drops LU to 3-3 on the young season.
 
Freshman Nate Calmese led a Cardinal offense that finished the day just under 40 percent (24-61), and just 4-24 (.167) from three-point range – but two of those came in the game's closing seconds. Calmese scored a game-high 19 points, while Terry Anderson added 12 points. Junior Adam Hamilton finished day with a double-double – 10 points and 12 rebounds.
 
McNeese was 22-of-53 (.415) from the field and converted 12 three-pointers, and that turned out to be the difference in the game. The Cowboys were led by Trae English who scored 17 points.
 
The Cowboys edged LU on the glass, 32-30.
 
McNeese hit consecutive three-pointers and converted five of their first nine attempts to take a 13-6 lead. During that same stretch the Cardinals converted three of their first eight attempts but the momentum switched and the Cardinals took control.
 
After falling behind early, the Cardinals looked to their defense to turn things around and Big Red came through. The Cards forced misses on McNeese's next eight attempts and the uptick in defense sparked the offense. The Cardinals converted five of their next six attempts to rattle off an 8-1 run and push their lead to as many as four.
 
McNeese didn't go quietly but responded before the end of the half with a 12-4 run to take a two-point lead into the locker room, 26-24. The Cowboys were aided by five three-point baskets in the opening 20 minutes.
 
The Cardinals finished the half shooting 11-of-24 (.458) from the field, but 0-for-6 from long range. Big Red did the majority of its damage in the paint with a 22-8 advantage over McNeese. The Cowboys finished the half 10-of-28 (.357) from the field with five triples. They also outrebounded the Cardinals by one, 17-16, in the first 20 minutes.
 
The Cowboys opened the second half on a 10-2 run to build a 10-point lead, 36-26, but the Cardinals forced turnovers on consecutive possessions and responded with a 4-0 run. Unfortunately, McNeese never let up answering with two more threes to build a 12-point lead and then things got chippy.
 
After a foul for a loose ball, two double technicals were assessed and McNeese took control of the game momentarily. But much like they did in the two previous MTE games the Cardinals never quit attacking.  After a missed three, LU got an offensive rebound from Hamilton who laid it back up and in to trim the deficit to eight. Moments later, Calmese got the game back within two possessions on a driving jumper in the lane.
 
Unfortunately, the Cardinals could get no closer as McNeese continued its strong shooting from long range to hold off LU.
 
The Cardinals return to action Sunday when they travel to Dallas, Texas to take on SMU. The game against the Mustangs will tip off at 2 p.m. from Moody Coliseum.