BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University recognized six seniors prior to Saturday's tip off against California Baptist but came up just short of sending the class off with a victory. LU dropped its season-finale, 78-66, Saturday to CBU to finish the season 2-27 overall and 0-18 in Western Athletic Conference play.
 
The Cardinals had four players in double figures for an offense that shot nearly 46 percent from the field (27-of-59/.458). Big Red was led by 15 points from senior Lincoln Smith. The Columbus, Ga., native was joined in double figures by junior Jordyn Adams (14 points), senior C.J. Roberts (12) and sophomore Corey Nickerson (12 points).
 
Big Red outrebounded their guest by three, 35-33, and got a huge lift from their bench outscoring the Lancers' reserves, 32-15.
 
CBU finished the day shooting 26-of-54 (.481) from the field but the big difference in the game came from three-point range. The Cardinals knocked down just three triples while California Baptist was 14-of-31, including 25 points from Ty Rowell (8-of-13 on three-pointers).
 
CBU led for the majority of the first half and went into the intermission up 11, 41-30. The Lancers built their lead to as many as 19 points (with 8:50 remaining) only to watch LU battle their way back into the game. Just over two minutes later, Big Red and pulled to within 13 points. The deficit remained at 13 until 1:02 remaining when the Cardinals got a basket from Smith to pull within 11, but the Cards could get no closer.