BEAUMONT, Texas - Fans will get their first opportunity to see the Lamar University women's basketball team Thursday at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center when it hosts East Texas Baptist University in an exhibition contest. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. and will be free of charge to the public.

SIX CAME BACK
The Cardinals bring back six members from the 2024-25 squad in Jacei Denley (G, 5-7, Jr.), Taliah Hill (F, 6-0, Gr.), T'Aaliyah Miner (F, 5-11, Gr.), R'Mani Taylor (G, 5-6, Sr.), KJ Walker (G, 5-8, Sr.) and Kamryn Wilson (G, 5-9, So.). These six players helped LU record its third straight 20-win season at 22-8 and 17-3 in Southland Conference play. 

WELCOME TO THE CLUB NEWBIES
The Cardinals are joined by eight newcomers on the team including transfers Chisom Oguego (G, 5-10, Jr., Lagos, Nigeria/South Plains JC), Solenne Olenga (F, 6-1, Jr., Lubumbashi, DR Congo/Frank Phillips JC), Alexis Parker (G, 5-9, Sr., San Antonio/UTSA), Molly Powell (F, 6-1, So., Nome/McNeese), and Melinda Watson (F, 6-0, Sr., Houston/Texas State) and freshmen Shaila Forman (G, 5-9, Baton Rouge, La.), Keyiona McDaniel (G, 5-11, Kountze), and Niyah Waters (G, 5-11, Pflugerville). 

ALL-TIME vs. ETBU
LU has played one regular-season game all-time against the Tigers, winning 62-51 on Jan. 22, 1978. Last season, the Cardinals hosted ETBU in an exhibition game and came away with a 70-39 victory. Jacei Denley (14 points) and R'Mani Taylor (10 points) combined for 24 points. 

ABOUT EAST TEXAS BAPTIST
ETBU is an NCAA Division III program that represents the American Southwest Conference. Last season, the Tigers won the conference with a 23-5 overall record and 8-0 in conference play while averaging 71 points per game.

UP NEXT
Big Red's season opens on the road for three straight games beginning in Greenley, Colo., to take on Northern Colorado on November 8th. The game will tip-off at 3:00 p.m central and will be streamed on ESPN+. 
 

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