BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University put up a strong fight against defending Conference USA champion Sam Houston Sunday afternoon but the Bearkats managed to keep the Cardinals at arm's length to record an 85-72 victory at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
The Cardinals (1-2) were led in scoring by Andrew Holifield who scored 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and blocked a shot. He was one of three Cardinals to finish the day in double figures for an offense that shot 40 percent (23-of-64) from the field.
 
The other two Cardinals to reach double digits were Adam Hamilton (13 points) and Ja'Sean Jackson (11).
 
The Cardinals also took advantage of their trips to the free throw line – 20-of-25 (.800) – while dominating Sam Houston on the glass, 41-31. Senior Errol White pulled down a team-high seven boards and was one of three Cardinals to have at least six rebounds in the game. Every Cardinal who checked in the game except for one recorded a rebound.
 
Sam Houston only had two players reach double figures but both hit the 20-point plateau. Lamar Wilkerson led everyone with 28 points followed by 22 from Kalifa Sakho. SHSU ended the day shooting 31-of-57 (.544) from the field with 10 of their makes coming from long range.
 
The Bearkats built a double-digit lead, 24-9, less than nine minutes into the opening half only to watch Lamar fight its way back in. Sparked by consecutive baskets from Holifield, including a three, Lamar trimmed that 15-point deficit down to just three points with less than seven remaining in the half. The Bearkats managed to keep LU at arm's length for the remainder of the half to take a four-point lead into the locker room.
 
Sam Houston came out of the locker room in the second half and pushed that lead back to double figures – 65-49 (11:47) – before Big Red made another run. Lamar rattled off a 14-6 run to pull within eight with just over seven minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Lamar could get no closer down the stretch.
 
The Cardinals return to action Friday when they travel to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the Akron Basketball Classic. LU will face the Zips, Alabama State and Omaha during their three days in Akron.