BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University's defense recorded a season-high 19 steals against St. Mary's (TX), leading to a 61-30 victory Wednesday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. LU would hold the Rattlers to within single digits in three of the four quarters.
For the fourth time in five games,
Shaila Forman was the leading scorer for the Cardinals, posting a game-high 12 points.
Solenne Olenga came a point and a rebound of a double-double while she made 7-of-8 from the free throw line.
Jacei Denley also finished with nine points while dishing out six assists and recording four steals.
LU managed to hit 35.7 percent (20-of-56) from the field, which included five three-pointers, but the defense held the Rattlers to 30.8 percent (12-of-39). The Cardinals also forced 37 St. Mary turnovers, which led to 36 points.
Kamryn Wilson and Olenga combined for nine points in a 10-3 run during the opening minutes of the first quarter. Following a three-ball by the Rattlers, LU added a pair of buckets from Denley and
Keyiona McDaniel to lead 14-7 after one.
Both teams converted five shots in the second quarter as St. Mary's closed to within five, 19-14, at the midway point, but that was as close as it would get. The Cardinals ended the first half on a 13-5 run.
KJ Walker stepped up with a pair of threes while Forman posted five points to give LU a 32-19 halftime advantage.
After hitting their first shot of the second half, the Rattlers were unable to score for the rest of the third quarter. LU's defense forced seven consecutive misses while it racked up 11 points offensively. A key contributor was
T'Aaliyah Miner, who came off the bench to put in six points as LU led 43-21.
St. Mary's started the final quarter with seven unanswered points to get within 15, 43-28. The Cardinals picked up 18 fourth-quarter points, including seven from Forman, which helped her reach double figures.
Lamar hits the road Sunday to Monroe, La., to meet the Warhawks of UL Monroe. The ball will be tipped at 2:00 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
