BEAUMONT, Texas – Three players scored in double figures as the Lamar University defeated Mary Hardin-Baylor, 90-49, in an exhibition contest Wednesday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
Every Cardinal scored, and pulled down at least one rebound, led by senior Andrew Holifield's 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He was joined in double figures by junior transfer Rob Lee (11) and redshirt freshman Jayden Gambrell (11).
 
Sophomore Braden East and senior Errol White just missed a double-double each. East ended the night with nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds while White finished the game with nine points and nine rebounds.
 
As a team the Cardinals were 38-of-80 (.475) from the field, which included a 10-of-32 (.313) effort from long range. Five different players knocked down a three Wednesday led by three from Holifield.
 
While the offense seemed to be in rhythm, it was the Cardinals' defense that took center stage. Big Red held the Crusaders to just 18 field goals (.281), which included an 8-of-37 (.216) performance from long range. The Cardinals also dominated the glass to the tune of a 60-34 rebound advantage.
 
Lamar also finished the night with five blocked shots and 11 steals which led to a 19-8 advantage off turnovers.
 
The Cardinals raced out to a 16-3 lead in the first five minutes of the game and never looked back extending their advantage throughout the night.
 
Lamar now turns its attention to the regular season Monday, Nov. 3 when it faces Texas A&M-San Antonio. The game against the Jaguars will serve as the team's education day and will tip off at 11 a.m. from Neches Arena.