BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University returns to action Thursday in Baton Rouge, La., to face LSU. The lone road contest – and the midway point – in a stretch of the schedule that has the Cardinals at home for five of six is Lamar's final road game before opening the conference portion of its schedule. The Cardinals head east looking for a quick bounce back after a disappointing home setback to Southern Mississippi.
 
After trailing for the majority of the first half, Lamar came storming back to take a second-half lead. The closing minutes became a tug-o-war against the Golden Eagles with one team sinking a three followed by the other team answering on the opposite end of the court, with the lead constantly changing hands. After gaining a lead late, the Golden Eagles hit their free throws in the closing minute of the game to escape with a three-point victory.
 
The Cardinals (5-6) now head to Baton Rouge to face an opponent they've only played four times, and not since the 1997-98 season. LSU (6-5) has dealt with similar trends this season that Lamar has faced. The Tigers have split their last six decisions having rotated outcomes and are coming off an 11-point loss to nationally ranked Texas.
 
Through 11 games this season, the Cardinals have the Southland Conference's top offense. Lamar is averaging 83.2 points per game and is tied for 39^th nationally in scoring. A big reason for the Cardinals' success has been their ability to knock down the three-point shot. Despite being held to just six triples in Monday's setback, the Cardinals are 99-of-256 (.387) on three-pointers this season, which ranks second in the league.
 
The Cardinals have four players averaging in double-figures led by B.B. Knight's 12.0 points per game. Knight is one of just two players in the Southland to lead their team in scoring while coming off the bench to do so, and he's the only one to not yet have recorded a start on the season.  
 
Jordan Wright (6-6, Sr., G) leads an LSU offense that is averaging better than 74 points per game. He is one of three players averaging in double figures (15.0) for a squad that is shooting better than 46 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range.
 
Lamar will serve as the third of four Southland Conference schools LSU will face this season (Nicholls, Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State).
 
Thursday's game will tip off 8 p.m. from the Maravich Center. It will be televised on ESPN+ via the SEC Network.