BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University had to overcome some early UL Monroe rallies, but never once conceded the lead as it took care of business at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center Saturday with a 71-60 victory. With the sweep of the last two home games, the Cardinals currently sit at 4-3 overall.
Big Red had three double-digit scorers with Sabria Dean posting a team-high 15 points on seven field goals made. Akasha Davis earned her third double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) of the season while T'Aaliyah Miner netted her second straight double-digit game with 10 points. Other contributors to LU's win came from five assists from Jacei Denley and eight rebounds from Bebe Galloway.
The Cardinals converted 46 percent from the field while holding ULM to 34.5 percent throughout the contest. They outscored the Warhawks in the paint (42-30) and off turnovers (23-14).
Early on, Davis scored LU's first six points for a 6-3 lead. The Warhawks kept pace and were within 12-10, but Dean's five-of-seven first quarter points helped Big Red take an 18-12 lead after one. That quarter saw both teams finish with 41 percent from the field.
For most of the second quarter, LU had to go with Galloway and Taliah Hill to play the five spot after Davis went to the bench with her second foul. While conceding two Warhawk free throws dropped its lead to four, Big Red rallied back with a 9-2 run for a double-digit lead of 27-16 following the first of six second quarter points from Miner. ULM refused to back down though, as it would storm to within 35-30 at the half.
The Cardinals faced a dilemma to start the second half when Davis picked up her third foul and the Warhawks closed the gap to 37-36. The next man up mentality proved crucial as both Galloway and Hill combined for seven rebounds while LU's offense exploded for a 20-9 run to lead 57-45 after three. Dean posted four points to while both Denley and Kamryn Wilson (six third quarter points), each stole the ball and turned defense into offense with their shots. Miner closed out the third quarter with a pair of buckets to reach 10 points.
ULM brought the deficit to nine (57-48) with nine minutes to go in the game. LU's defense suffocated the Warhawks for two more field goals over the final nine minutes for the final score. Taylor and NJ Weems each had four points in the quarter while Davis dominated the glass for six rebounds and securing four points to achieve her double-double.
The Cardinals will have their first Southland Conference game Saturday as they head down south to the border to meet with UT Rio Grande Valley. The tip off will take place at 2 p.m. from the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
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