BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University will head east to New Orleans, La. to compete in the Big Easy Classic after Thanksgiving. The tournament will be played at the Alario Center and the Cardinals will take on Pacific Friday (3:30 p.m.) and Cleveland State Saturday (1 p.m.).
 
Previously
The Cardinals lost to SMU, 56-54 in overtime, last Wednesday in Dallas as they could not hang on to a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter. While the Cardinals shot a season-low 36.7 percent from the field, Sabria Dean posted a game-high 21 points, which included 13 in the first half and six in the overtime session. Akasha Davis posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while R'Mani Taylor tallied 11 points off the bench.
 
Last Thanksgiving Tournament
LU went down to St. Petersburg, Fla. for the St. Pete's Showcase last season. There, the Cardinals defeated UTEP 56-44 but lost to Nebraska 75-61. Dean was named to the all-tournament team having put up 16.5 points per game, converted 54.2% from the field, and made all six free throw attempts.
 
All-Time vs. Pacific
This will be the third time LU will meet up with Pacific. The two teams have each traded victories in the last two meetings with the Cardinals winning 82-66 during the 2018-19 season.
 
About the Tigers
The Tigers are 3-3 following a 60-50 win over Yale Sunday. The trio of Liz Smith (16), Elizabeth Elliott (15), and Anaya James (11) combined for 42 points in the victory. With Pacific averaging 65.2 ppg, Smith (13.5 ppg) and Elliott (12.8 ppg) are the only double-figure scorers on the team. Elliott also leads the Tigers with 5.8 boards per game.
 
All-Time vs. Cleveland State
The Cardinals matched up with CSU once in program history. On Dec. 5th, 1992, LU defeated the Vikings 100-79.
 
About the Vikings
The Vikings are coming off a 94-52 victory over Ohio Dominican to put themselves at 3-2. Jordan Reisma and Mickayla Perdue finished with 24 and 23 points, respectively while Megan Facey (11) and Sara Guerreiro (10) also tallied double figures. CSU averages 84.6 ppg while conceding 75.2 rpg.


Up Next
The Cardinals return home to Neches Arena for their first December contest against St. Thomas (TX). The tip off is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m.

 

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