BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University junior Alexis Marmolejos scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Cardinals to an 82-65 victory over a scrappy Texas A&M-San Antonio squad Monday evening to close out non-conference play. The victory moved LU to 7-6 on the season as the Red and White now turn their attention to Southland Conference play full time.
 
Marmolejos was one of four Cardinals in double figures Monday for an offense that shot 33-of-68 (.485) from the field, including seven three-pointers. The mark of consistency, Lamar shot above 48 percent in both halves.
 
Marmolejos was joined in double figures by Ja'Sean Jackson (15 points), Errol White (12) and Terrance Dixon, Jr. (11). Juniors Cody Pennebaker and Andrew Holifield just missed double-doubles. Pennebaker scored nine and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds while Holifield connected for nine and 10.
 
As a team, the Cardinals dominated the glass with a 47-33 advantage.
 
A&M-San Antonio shot better in the second half than the first but still finished the game below 40 percent for the night converting 25-of-63 attempts. The Cougars managed to shoot better from long range (7-of-16/.438) than from the field overall. The visitors were led by Antwone Gonzales' 16 points.
 
The Cardinals will now turn their attention to Southland Conference play full time. Currently in a four-way tie for first with a 2-0 league record (both wins on the road), LU will look to continue that pace Saturday, Jan. 4 when they host Houston Christian. The game against the Huskies will tip off at 6 p.m. from the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.