BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University freshman Jayden Gambrell dropped 27 points in his first game in the Cardinal Red and White to lead LU to a 93-53 season-opening win over Texas A&M-San Antonio Monday afternoon at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. The game was officially the fourth at the NCAA Division I level to tip off the start the 2025-26 season.
 
Gambrell was the focal point of an offense that shot better than 50 percent from the field, including a 60-percent clip in the second half, and was one of four Cardinals in double figures. Joining Gambrell were senior Andrew Holifield (19 points), senior Cody Pennebaker (14 points) and sophomore Braden East (10).
 
The Cardinals converted 33-of-63 attempts, which included 10 makes from long range, and shot nearly 74 percent from the free throw line.
 
Big Red held a scrappy A&M-San Antonio team to 17-of-53 (.321) from the field, with eight three-pointers. The Cougars ended the game with just one player in double figures – Carson Brown (16).
 
Lamar also took advantage of the height difference dominating the glass to the tune of 46-27. The defense also forced 20 turnovers and recorded 10 steals and blocked four shots. The Cardinals made their guests pay for the miscues scored 32 points off the turnovers.  
 
LU never trailed in the game racing out to a six-point lead within the first minute of the game and never looked back. Lamar built a 10-point advantage before the 13-minute mark and carried a 20-point lead into halftime.
 
The Cardinals return to action Monday, Nov. 10^th when they travel to Fort Worth to take on TCU. The game against the Horned Frogs is set for 7 p.m. tip off.