BEAUMONT, Texas - Monday's contest between Lamar University (14-4, 9-0 SLC) and Northwestern State (8-10, 5-4 SLC) featured an unexpected fire alarm inside the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center that propelled the Cardinals to overcome an eight-point deficit to win 59-55 over the Demons. Already with nine wins in Southland Conference play, this is the Cardinals' best start since the 2018-19 season.
On a day where defense would prove to be decisive, the Cardinals were led by
Akasha Davis, who poured in 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for a second-straight double-double.
Sabria Dean racked up 13 points and three steals while
Jacei Denley added 10 points.
R'Mani Taylor came one point shy of double digits while she recorded two steals.
Neither team would shoot over 40 percent from the field as LU converted a season-low 29.7 while holding the Demons to 36. The Cardinals were able to score 24 points inside the paint and capitalized with 16 points off turnovers. NSU had help from 10 three-pointers and was led by Mya Blake, who finished with a game-high 25 points.
The Cardinals opened the game with the first basket from
NJ Weems but were suddenly caught in a 14-3 barrage from the Demons. Six of NSU's seven made field goals came from behind the three-point line. LU struggled to buy a basket as it hit just two field goals from the field and were held to nine points. Big Red found itself trailing 20-9 after the first quarter.
The Demons would increase their lead to 26-11 early in the second quarter. In a six-minute span, the Cardinals slowly fought back to get within five as Davis and Dean each tallied six points in the 14-4 run. NSU, who finished with 41.4 percent in the first half, would get three points back to take a 33-25 lead into the locker room.
As the third quarter got set to begin, the fire alarm in the arena went off delaying the game for 10 minutes. Somehow, the delay seem to give the Cardinals new life as they opened the quarter on a 11-4 run to trail 37-36. After Davis scored six points in the run, LU grabbed its first lead since the opening points on a layup by Dean. Each team battled to a 40-40 tie after the third quarter thanks to LU holding the Demons to seven points.
Both teams traded buckets at the start of the fourth quarter, which included a go-ahead three ball from Taylor to put the Cardinals up 45-43. Following a three by NSU, Davis gave LU the lead for good with six straight points while Dean added a two to make it 53-46 with five minutes to go. NSU wasn't done though as it clawed back to within three, 55-52.
Dean pushed the lead back to five with a layup only for the Demons to convert a three-point play with under two minutes to go. NSU would get a chance to grab the lead, but the Cardinals' defense got the big stop, and Davis iced the win with a pair of free throws.
As one of two undefeated teams remaining in the conference, Big Red will have a chance to grab first place as it travels to Hammond, La., Thursday night for a big showdown against Southeastern Louisiana. The game will tip off at 7 p.m.
