BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University senior running back rushed for 146 yards on the night, eclipsing the 1,000 yards for the season, but the Cardinals dropped a heartbreaking 30-27 overtime decision to Southeastern Louisiana Saturday evening at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
 
The Cardinals finished the night with 354 yards of total offense, while holding their guest to just 293. Big Red recorded four more first downs than SLU and owned nearly a four-minute advantage in time of possession only to come up short on the scoreboard.
 
Lamar did most of its damage on the ground with 230 yards of rushing, led by Griffin's third consecutive 100-yard rushing game and fifth of the season.
 
Senior Robert Coleman and junior Jakolby Longino combined to complete 11-of-23 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. LU's two quarterbacks connected with seven different receivers led by junior Kyndon Fuselier's four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
 
LU's defense limited Southeastern to just 17 first downs and just 89 yards rushing. The defensive effort was led by nine tackles – including an assisted sack – by Tah Banda. Junior Brayden Faulkner added eight tackles, while Kristian Pugh had seven stops, one interception and two pass breakups.
 
The Cardinals (5-4/2-2 SLC) claimed a three-point lead with 1:18 remaining on 34-yard pass from Longino to Fuselier. The TD reception – Fuselier's first of the season – appeared to be the game winner, but the Lions had just enough time 1:18 to get the ball in field goal range to tie the game with five seconds remaining (on a 37-yard field goal).
 
In the extra stanza, Lamar was held to a 30-yard field goal from Ben Woodard, while Southeastern punched the ball in on a four-yard rush up the middle from Antonio Martin, Jr. – who also passed the 1,000-yard mark Saturday – to end the game.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday, Nov. 9, when they travel to San Antonio, Texas to take on UIW. The game against the league's other Cardinals kicks off at 2 p.m. from Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.