BEAUMONT, Texas – Stephen F. Austin caught fire in the second half shooting 50 percent in the final 20 minutes to erase a 14-point deficit and hand Lamar University its first conference setback of the season, 72-63.
 
The Cardinals (9-7/4-1 SLC) shot nearly 40 percent from the field (23-of-58) for the game, including five three-pointers and were led by three players in double figures – Andrew Holifield (13), Adam Hamilton (12) and Ja'Sean Jackson (10). Unfortunately, turnovers played a key role in the contest as Lamar turned it over 15 times leading to 22 points for SFA. On the flip side, the Cardinals forced their guests into just 10 miscues which were converted into 13 points.
 
SFA ended the day 26-of-56 (.464) from the field but only four of those makes came from long range (4-of-21/.190). The Lumberjacks also had three players in double-figures led by 18 from Matt Hayman. The Lumberjacks also won the battle on the glass by one, 34-33.
 
The Cardinals appeared to be on the verge of a knockout punch in the first half building a 14-point lead with just over three minutes remaining in the half, but the lead evaporated before halftime. SFA closed the half on a 12-3 run to pull within five going into the locker room.
 
SFA seemed to pick up in the second half where it left off in the first extending the run to 20-3 taking a three-point lead just over 90 seconds into the second half. The lead would be SFA's first since the 17:27 mark of the opening half. It would grow to four points before Big Red responded taking the advantage back on a Danquez Dawsey fast break basket, 46-45.
 
Unfortunately, LU would grab the lead only one other time as the 'Jacks would push their lead to as many as 10 before the final tally.
 
The Cardinals must now hit the reset button and get ready for Monday's match against New Orleans. The game against UNO will tip off at 7 p.m. from the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+.