BEAUMONT, Texas – Junior Khalan Griffin rushed for 113 yards and sophomore Izaha Jones hauled in two touchdown passes as Lamar University defeated Texas A&M-Commerce, 41-21, Saturday evening on Homecoming. The Cardinals rattled off a 28-0 run beginning in the second quarter and never looked back. Commerce managed to tack on a late touchdown in the closing seconds.
 
The Cardinals have now won five games this season equaling their win total from the three previous years combined.
 
Lamar racked up 342 yards of total offense, including 246 on the ground, but the offense was aided by two defensive scores, including the first of the game. The Cardinals' defense held their guests to 300 yards and forced them into four turnovers (three fumbles and an interception).
 
Junior Robert Coleman completed 8-of-14 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns (both to Jones) but did throw one interception. Coleman connected with six different receivers, led by five catches from Andre Dennis for 43 yards. Jones' two receptions went for 42 yards and his scores came on catches of seven and 35 yards.
 
Griffin led the Cardinals' dominant ground attack. In addition to his 113 yards, Damashja Harris added nine carries for 58 yards and Coleman carried the ball eight times for 43 yards.
 
The Cardinals' defensive effort was led by Josh Ofili who tied for team-high honors with seven tackles. He also scored one of the two defensive touchdowns when he picked off a pass and returned it 37 yards for a score.
 
It was the Cardinals' defense that got the scoring started. After a punt pinned the Lions on their own three-yard line, A&M-Commerce was facing a 3rd-and-9 from the four. On second down, the Lions pitched the ball to the right side, but it was read perfectly by Ramond Stevens who hit Shamenski Rucker in the end zone popping the ball loose and Jalen Freeman pounced on it  for the score.
 
After A&M-Commerce managed to tie the game early in the second, the Cardinals were back on the attack. This time it was from the offense, as Griffin took the ball down the left hash 51 yards for the score. The play gave LU back a one-score lead and sparked 28-0 run that gave the Cardinals a 35-7 lead. The run included scores from Jones (twice), Ofili's interception and R.J. Carver.
 
The Lions were down 28 points before they could get back on the scoreboard. Unfortunately for them, Big Red responded in kind two minutes later when Jones caught his second touchdown pass. Commerce tacked on a late score for the game's final tally.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday, Nov. 11, when they travel to league-leading Nicholls to face the Colonels. Nicholls moved alone into first place with their victory over UIW Saturday. The game against Nicholls will kick off at 3 p.m. from Guidry Stadium.