BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University's women's basketball team remains in first place of the Southland Conference standings and in the midst of a nine-game winning streak. But while Saturday's home game will be emotional for four seniors , who are being honored, it will also bring in a tough challenge against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who remain two games back of LU for the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. 

NINE THREES=NINE WINS IN A ROW
The Cardinals had an easy time defeating McNeese by the final of 73-43 to put their winning streak to nine games right now. Among the highlights for the win was a season-high nine three-pointers for LU. Malay McQueen recorded three treys to go with her 13 points while Sabria Dean and Jacei Denley converted two each. LU's previous season high in threes was eight at UIW. 

AQUA IN THE TOP 10
Head coach Aqua Franklin was recognized by the Black Coaches Association for being one of the top 10 best coaches based on overall record. Currently at 19-5, she was ranked sixth in the nation.

PLEASE CAN WE HAVE THE SENIORS FOR ONE MORE YEAR?
The Cardinals will honor four seniors this Saturday for their careers at Lamar University. Being recognized are Sabria Dean, Bebe Galloway, Victori Mason, and NJ Weems.  

LAST TIME VS THE ISLANDERS
The Cardinals won the first meeting on the year 67-60 with Brooklyn Mitchell leading the way with a career-high 14 points including three treys from downtown. All-time, the Cardinals are 22-12 against the Islanders. But in the last meeting in Beaumont, the Cardinals fell victim to the Islanders, who overcame a 48-37 loss thanks to their fourth quarter press defense to win 61-59. This would be a recurring theme for LU in the next three games as AMCC would rally from big deficits to close the gap although LU emerged victorious. 

SINCE WE LAST MET
Following the loss to LU, AMCC would lose their second straight game to Nicholls. But right now, the Islanders enter Beaumont on a four-game winning streak after their 68-42 win against Houston Christian. Alecia Westbrook powered the paint with 16 points to lead AMCC. The Islanders are two games back of LU for the top seed in the Southland Conference. 

SURFING TWO-WAY
The Islanders are currently second in the conference in scoring (66.7 ppg) trailing only A&M-Commerce, but they have the best defense allowing 56.4 ppg. The 10.3 margin is also the highest in the conference. AMCC has won their 18 games by an average of 19.4 ppg and have never scored fewer than 50 in any of their games.

ROYCE COUNTDOWN ALERT TO 600
Islanders head coach Royce Chadwick is five wins away from his 600th career win. In just his 35th season, Chadwick has spent 12 seasons with the Islanders winning 182 games. Six of the last seasons have seen AMCC win 15 or more contests and have been among the SLC's top teams in the conference tournament.

UP NEXT FOR LU
The Cardinals will have their final road trip of the season as they will go up East Texas to Commerce for a meeting with the Lions this Thursday night at 7:00 PM

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