After an impressive victory over Nicholls Saturday in Neches Arena – moving the Cardinals back into a three-way tie for second place in the Southland Conference standings, Lamar University (13-10/7-3 SLC) now leaves the comforts of home to embark on a key, late-season three-game road swing beginning Monday at UIW. The road trip will consist of stops in San Antonio, at New Orleans and a suddenly hot Southeastern Louisiana squad. The first contest comes Monday against the league's other Cardinals, UIW. While Lamar has won four of its last five games, UIW has dropped consecutive games and three of its last four with the lone victory during that stretch being a two-point victory at New Orleans. The UIW Cardinals are currently fighting for their postseason lives entering the week in 10th place in the standings a half game back of the eighth, and final playoff spot. Monday's contest is slated for a 6:30 p.m. tip from the McDermott Center. The game will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.
LU vs. Cardinals
A series that dates back to the 2007-08 season, the Lamar University Cardinals hold a 12-6 (.667) all-time series advantage and have won eight of the previous 10 meetings, including a 75-59 decision in Beaumont earlier this year. That record includes a 5-3 (.625) mark in games played in San Antonio.
Defending the Nest
Lamar has made the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center one of the toughest venues for opponents to play over the course of its 30-plus year history. The Cards are 369-186 (.664) all-time in Neches Arena. LU recorded a program-best 15 home wins in the 1987-88 season, and is 10-1 (.909) at home this season, a mark that includes a perfect 6-0 mark during conference home games.
LU in February
The Cardinals are 288-289 (.499) all-time in the month of February. Big Red has produced above .500 records in the month 28 times in program history, which includes four perfect months (1960-61, 1963-64, 1983-84 and 2007-08). The Cardinals posted a school record 10 wins in the month twice (1960-61 and 1983-84). The February record jumps to 188-109 (.632) all-time in home games.
Lucky No. 13
With Saturday's victory over Nicholls, the Cardinals have already won four more game this season than they did all of last year. The Cardinals still have eight regular-season games remaining to add to that overall total. The Cardinals need just four more wins this season to secure their first winning record since the 2019-20 season.
Cardinals' Magic Number
Lamar needs just four more, or a combination of four Texas A&M-Commerce and New Orleans losses, to lock up a berth in the 2024 Southland Conference Championships. The Cardinals are seeking their first postseason berth since the 2020-21 campaign.
High Octane Offense
LU continues to lead the Southland in scoring. Big Red is averaging a league-best 80.7 points per game – a stat made even more impressive by the fact that Lamar does not have a player averaging 12.0 points per game on the season. The Cardinals are currently tied for 42nd nationally (with Duke) in scoring. Big Red is also 32nd nationally in bench scoring (27.91 pg), 11th nationally in fastbreak points (15.74 pg) and tied for 27th nationally in assists (16.7 apg).
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