AKRON, Ohio – Lamar University junior Alexis Marmolejos scored a career-high 28 points but Alabama State used a second half rally to pick up a late victory over the Cardinals, 77-75, Saturday afternoon in Akron, Ohio.
 
The Cardinals shot 23-of-54 (.426) from the field for the contest and converted just one fewer field goal in the second half compared to the first on the same number of attempts. Among the Cardinals' 23 makes eight came from three-point range.
 
Big Red also won the battle on the glass outrebounding ASU, 36-28, led by 11 from senior Adam Hamilton (who finished the game with a double-double – 12 points). Lamar also cut down on the turnovers Saturday, compared to Friday, turning the ball over just 13 times. Lamar forced the Hornets into nine miscues.
 
After being held to just nine field goals (.346) in the opening half, Alabama State found its rhythm in the second half knocking down 17-of-27 (.630) which included four triples.
 
After giving up the first basket of the game, the Cardinals responded with a 16-2 run to build a 16-4 lead heading into the first media timeout. LU opened the game converting five of their first seven attempts (.714) from the field, while the Cards' defense slowed Alabama State to start the game. The Hornets could manage just one of their first 11 attempts (.091).
 
The Cardinals continued that strong shooting throughout the first half as Lamar took a five-point lead into the locker room. The Cardinals ended the half 12-of-27 (.444) from the field including five three-pointers. Big Red also outrebounded ASU by six in the opening 20 minutes.
 
Lamar led by 11, 44-33, early into the second half but ASU rattled off a 26-14 run over 10:30 stretch of the second half to take their first lead of the half following a T.J. Madlock layup with 7:24 remaining. The lead got no wider than a three possession margin but LU was unable to regain the lead down the stretch.
 
The Cardinals return to action Sunday to close out the Akron Basketball Classic. The Cardinals will tip off against Omaha Sunday at 11 a.m. from the James A. Rhodes Arena.