LAS VEGAS, Nev. - For the third time this season, the Cardinals met up with the Sam Houston Bearkats. This time, it was for the right to advance to the quarterfinals of the Western Athletic Tournament to meet up with California Baptist. Unfortunately for Lamar, despite a last minute rally, they were unable to overcome a late deficit as the Bearkats won 73-69.

Sabria Dean was LU's leader with 21 points on seven-of-13 shooting and was two rebounds shy of a double-double. Behind 11-of-12 from the free throw line, Angel Hastings put together 16 points while Akasha Davis recorded 12 points for LU. The Cardinals would knock down 47.8% from the field.

Despite falling behind 4-0 early in the first, LU responded with seven straight points to lead 7-4. The quarter proved to be high scoring as the two teams combined for 48 points with LU leading 26-22. Both Dean and Anyssia Gibbs had six points while Emma Imevbore tallied seven in a quarter that saw LU shoot 73.3% from the field.

A layup by Davis to start the second gave LU their largest first half lead at 30-22. But slowly, the Bearkats turned the tables on the Cardinals with a 12-4 run to tie the game at 34. Another run of six straight points brought SHSU to a 40-36 lead before a Dean three-pointer made it a one-point LU deficit going into halftime.

Gibbs tied the game with a three-pointer early in the third only for five Bearkat points to happen that put LU down 47-42. The Cardinals regained momentum as Davis sparked a comeback with five points while Hope Lemelle added a basket for her fourth point of the game. A three by Dean and free throws by Hastings put the Cardinals up 55-53 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter remained tight until the final media timeout with SHSU leading 61-60. That was when the Bearkats took control with six if the next seven points to be up 67-61. Moments later, SHSU led 70-63 when Hastings would knock down six clutch free throws to bring the score within one with 45 seconds to go. The Bearkats missed the jumper on the ensuing possession, but secured an offensive rebound and converted a three-point play to knock out the Cardinals from the tournament.

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