SAN ANTONIO, Texas – UIW jumped out of the gates quickly and built an early double-digit first half lead and Lamar University was never able to recover falling 73-61 to the Southland's other Cardinals Monday evening in the San Antonio. The loss drops Lamar to 18-11 overall and 13-5 in conference play, but the Cardinals maintain their hold on second place in the standings following Northwestern State's win at Southeastern Louisiana.
 
The Cardinals more than doubled their production in the second half compared to the first finishing the game 22-of-56 (.393) from the field including a 7-of-16 (.438) effort on threes. Senior Ja'Sean Jackson was the lone Cardinal in double figures ending the night with 16 points.
 
UIW was held below 50 percent in the second but ended the night converting 24-of-47 (.511) from the field, with 10 makes from long range.  
 
The hometown Cardinals came out on fire converting four of their first five attempts opening the game on a 12-3 run less than three minutes in. Junior Alexis Marmolejos slowed the run with a three-pointer with 16:35 remaining – one of four triples for the good guys in the opening 20 minutes. Unfortunately, UIW never cooled off in the opening half converting 10 of their first 15 (including 4-of-8 threes) to build an 11-point first half lead.
 
UIW took an 18-point lead into the locker room after shooting nearly 55 percent in the opening half, including a 6-of-11 (.545) effort from long range. UIW also did not hurt itself by giving away possessions turning the ball over just once.
 
Lamar never found its rhythm in the opening 20 minutes knocking down just 7-of-24 (.292) from the field, but four of their makes came from three-point range (4-of-8/.500). Lamar also turned the ball over seven times in the first half and UIW made Lamar pay for each one carrying a 16-0 points off turnover advantage into the locker room.
 
Lamar opened the second half with more fire converting four of their first eight to start the second. Big Red pulled within 13 following a Danquez Dawsey three which was then followed by a UIW turnover and a Adam Hamilton basket. Those two baskets led the charge for a 15-5 run as the good guys pulled within 11 with just under 12 minutes remaining (after trailing by as many as 21 early in the second half).
 
Beaumont's Cardinals got within six, 54-48, on a Dawsey driving layup. The play capped a 23-8 run but the Cardinals could get no closer as a suddenly hot UIW squad held on for the win.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they are home to host rival McNeese in the second installment of the Battle of the Border. The game is set to tip off at 6 p.m. from the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.