BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University used a big second half, and got a huge boost from its bench, to defeat Southeastern Louisiana, 74-64, Saturday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center to remain in a second-place tie in the Southland Conference standings.
 
Big Red shot nearly 54 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes and outscored the Lions by 10 points in second half to pull away for the victory. Lamar had three players finish the night in double-figures – led by Chris Pryor's 17 points – but the other two players came off the bench. Junior Adam Hamilton added 13 points and seven rebounds (all coming in 15 minutes of action in the second half) and Ja'Sean Jackson scored 12 as Lamar's reserves outscored the Lions' backups, 34-5.
 
For the game, Lamar converted 26-of-53 (.491) attempts from the field, including 11 three-pointers. Big Red recorded assists on 19 of their 26 field goals. The Cardinals only turned the ball over eight times in an up-tempo contest, which was key. Big Red forced the Lions into 14 miscues which the home team cashed in for 24 points.
 
Lamar also managed to get out and run with the ball scoring 19 points in transition. By the final horn, the Cards held a 19-2 advantage over SLU in fast break points.
 
Roger McFarlane led a Lions' offense that shot less than 36 percent from the field, including a 28 percent effort in the second half. The Lions hit eight threes on the night but shot less than 30 percent for the game. McFarlane finished the night with a game-high 20 points.
 
The Lions did managed to win the battle of the boards, 40-30, including 16 offensive rebounds, but even when the Lions had a positive LU managed to neutralize it. The Lions scored just 11 second chance points off their 16 offensive rebounds and were outscored in the paint by two.
 
The Cardinals have little time to enjoy their victory as they now must prepare for New Orleans. The Privateers come to town Monday coming off a 102-65 loss at McNeese. Monday's game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start from Neches Arena. It will be broadcast on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.