AKRON, Ohio – Lamar University senior Ja'Sean Jackson led three Cardinals in double-figures and sparked a late rally, but it wasn't enough to overcome a slow start as LU dropped a 79-72 decision at Arkon Friday evening in the first round of the Akron Basketball Classic.
 
Jackson (16 points) was joined in double figures by junior Alexis Marmolejos (15) and 11 from Adam Hamilton for an offense that shot 22-of-52 (.423) from the field but that wasn't enough to overcome 16 first-half turnovers. The Cardinals made corrections at halftime turning the ball over just three times in the second half, but Akron make Lamar pay for the early miscues scoring 23 points off the turnovers.
 
Things didn't come easy for Akron offensively as the Cardinals prevented their struggles on offense from hurting them defensively. Lamar held Akron to 37 percent from the field and just six three-point field goals against a team that likes to shoot the three. The Zips finished the night just 18 percent from long range.
 
The officials played a key role in the game sending the two schools to the free throw line a combined 64 times. Lamar did a better job at the free throw line converting 24-of-33 (.727) attempts, while Akron was 21-of-31 (.677).
 
Neither team got off to quick start as the game was nearly four minutes in before the first field goal was recorded. The Zips opened the game on a 10-2 run, but it was not because of a great start from the field. Lamar opened the game just one of six while the Zips were just 3-of-12. The difference in the game early came from Lamar's struggles holding onto the ball. Big Red turned the ball over eight times in less than eight minutes of game time and went into the locker room with 16 turnovers.
 
Fortunately, the Cardinals defense didn't allow Akron to run and hide. Big Red held the Zips to 35 percent from the field, including a 2-of-14 (.143) effort from long range.  
 
After trailing by double digits for most of the half, Lamar made several runs to get back to even. The Cardinals pulled within eight on two Errol White free throws with less than 11 minutes to play, and again got back within eight points on a Hamilton layup with less than three minutes on the clock but the hometown team always and an answer.
 
Making one final surge in the final minute, Jackson buried a three and Marmolejos followed with a steal and got the ball back to Jackson who was fouled shooting a three. Jackson hit two of the three free throws, but Lamar could get no closer as Akron tacked on one free throw late for the final score.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Saturday with they return to the James A. Rhodes Center to face Alabama State. The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. Central Time.