BEAUMONT, Texas – Down several starters, the Lamar University Cardinals dropped an exhibition contest to a nationally ranked LSU-Alexandria squad, 83-80, Tuesday evening in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
The Cardinals shot 24-of-54 (.444) from the field, including 12 makes from long range, despite being down two starters and a third – Adam Hamilton – who was limited to less the 10 minutes of action. LU opened the game knocking down nearly 56 percent of its attempts (16-fo-29) in the opening half but converted just eight makes in the second.
 
Four different Cardinals, including three newcomers, landed in double figures Tuesday led by 20 points from Alexis Marmolejos. He was joined in double figures by Andrew Holifield (15 points, six rebounds and two blocks), Danquez Dawsey (12 points) and Ja'Sean Jackson (11).
 
The Generals finished the game shooting 24-of-62 (.387) and were aided by nine more trips to the free throw line than Big Red. Kashie Natt led LSU-A with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Lamar will tip off the regular season Monday, Nov. 4, when it hosts Paul Quinn College. The game against PQC will tip off at 7 p.m. from Neches Arena and will be part of a scheduled day-night doubleheader with the LU women. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.