HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Lamar University's women's basketball team had a tough battle with Southern Mississippi on the second day of USM's Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic. After being tied at halftime, it would be the third quarter that proved decisive in LU falling 56-48 to end their three-game winning streak.
 

Portia Adams (12 points), Malay McQueen (11 points), and Sabria Dean (11 points) combined for 34 points to lead LU. McQueen and Emma Imevbore each grabbed a team-high five rebounds. In total, LU made 35% from the field.
 

Over the last two games, Adams averaged 13.5 points per game. By scoring 15 and 12 points, she would earn a spot on the all-tournament team.
 

Despite finishing the first quarter by shooting 29.4% from the field, the Cardinals opened the game with a strong start. Beginning the first four points scored between Imevbore and Weems, LU would extend their lead to 7-3 on a three by Adams. After USM cut the margin in half, LU ran up an 8-2 run with Imevbore converting a pair of free throws and both Dean and McQueen each knocking down jumpers from the wing spots. However, the Golden Eagles would put together a six point rally of their own to close the gap to 15-13 in LU's favor by the end of the quarter.
 

The Golden Eagles knotted the game at 15 to open the second quarter only to watch Big Red score eight of the next 10 points. Dean, Adams, Akasha Davis, and Weems would manage to get the Cardinals a 23-17 lead. But much like the first quarter, USM answered with six straight points, which ended the first half deadlocked at 23 apiece.
 

The first five minutes of the third quarter would be an exchange of points. Davis, McQueen would combine for the first four points while Dean's lay-up with 5:52 to go gave the Cards a 29-27 lead. From that point on, the Golden Eagles would take command going on a 17-4 run to lead 44-33.
 

Big Red opened the fourth quarter with a McQueen three as she and Adams combined for 11 points. Unfortunately, they were unable to get closer than an eight-point deficit. USM created a lead as large as 14 points (50-36) while LU finished with a 12-6 run to close the gap to 56-48 before the buzzer sounded.
 

LU will be returning back to the Montagne Center this coming Saturday to meet with UT-Arlington at 2:00 p.m.
 

#WeAreLU