DALLAS, Texas - Unable to hang on to a fourth quarter lead, Lamar University suffered a heartbreaking overtime 56-54 loss as SMU connected on the winning jumper in the final seconds. The loss puts LU at 1-2 to start the season.
Sabria Dean posted 21 points to lead the Cardinals, including three from the three-point range. Akasha Davis recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while R'Mani Taylor tallied 11 points off the bench. LU finished shooting 36.7 percent from the field.
Davis and Dean combined for 14 points in the first quarter starting with seven of the first nine points for a 7-2 LU lead. While the Mustangs responded to tie the score by the first media timeout, Dean responded by sparking a 9-2 run with five unanswered points as LU led 16-9 through one. The Cardinals converted 43.8 percent in the quarter and held SMU to 13.8 percent.
Both teams shot under 40 percent in the second quarter and combined for nine field goals. A basket by Taylor increased LU's lead to nine before the Mustangs rallied to trail 20-17 with 4:07 to go in the half. Once again, Dean ignited a run with five points as LU ended the first half leading 28-17.
Half of the third quarter was a defensive struggle with the Cardinals leading 33-23 at the media timeout. Justice Ross came up with five points in the quarter as the Cardinals stretched their lead to 39-28 in the final minutes. That would be the last time LU led by double-digits as the Mustangs closed to within 39-30 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter proved costly for LU, who only managed to make three field goals. The Cardinals' nine-point lead held at 43-34 with 6:03 to go. That was when SMU rallied back with 13 unanswered points to grab the lead at 46-43 with two minutes remaining. The Cardinals tied the game after a Dean jumper and a free throw by NJ Weems. Getting the stop on defense, the Cardinals had a chance to win in overtime only to miss the shot, forcing overtime.
The Cardinals were unable to grab the lead in overtime despite tying the game on a few occasions. Dean posted six points, including the tying jumper with 29 seconds to go. SMU retook the lead with a basket with five seconds to go. LU had one last chance to score but turned the ball over effectively ending the contest.
Big Red will look to regroup with two games in the Big Easy Classic in New Orleans after Thanksgiving. The Cardinals will take on Pacific at 3:30 PM Friday.
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