BEAUMONT, Texas – A slow start for Lamar University combined with a hot shooting performance from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi put an end to the Cardinals season-long conference home winning streak. The Islanders defeated Lamar, 75-61, Saturday at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
The loss, just Lamar's second at home this season and its first in Southland Conference play, dropped the Cardinals to 15-12 (.556) overall and 9-5 (.643) in league games.
 
The Cardinals never found their rhythm Saturday finishing the night shooting 20-of-57 (.351) from the field and only 2-of-17 (.118) from three-point range. LU also struggled from the free throw line converting just 19-of-31 (.613) attempts.
 
Junior Jakevion Buckley came off the bench to lead Lamar with 15 points and was one of three Cardinals in double figures. He was joined in double figures by 12 points each from junior Terry Anderson and senior Chris Pryor.
 
The Islanders started hot and never cooled off shooting 50 percent for the game, including a 5-of-10 (.500) effort from long range. A&M-Corpus Christi converted 16-of-20 (.800) attempts at the free throw line.
 
The Islanders also held an advantage on the glass pulling down 42 rebounds to LU's 31. Big Red turned A&M-Corpus Christi over five more times, 16-11, and held a 20-13 advantage in points off turnovers.
 
Lamar must have a short-term memory and put this game in the rearview mirror as the annual Battle of the Border, Part II is next up on the docket. The Cardinals will host McNeese Monday at 7 p.m. from the Neches Arena. The game will be broadcast on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+