BEAUMONT, Texas – For the first time since 2017, the Lamar University men's basketball team has opened a new academic year by taking an international trip – this time to Puerto Rico where they will play three games in three days. The Cardinals got the trip off to a successful start posting a 108-84 victory Monday evening over the University of the Sacred Heart (Universidad del Sagrado Coraźon).
 
While the Cardinals hit the 100-point plateau, it was the defense that led the way for LU. The Cardinals forced Sacred Heart into 20 turnovers and outrebounded their hosts by 14, 40-26.
 
The Cardinals had five players strike for double figures Monday led by senior, and Beaumont native, Andrew Holifield (20 points). Holifield was joined by teammates Cody Pennebaker (19), Rob Lee, Jr. (17), Errol White (12) and Eian Lowe (11).
 
The Cardinals caught fire early from long range and never took their foot off the gas converting 12-of-26 (.462) attempts from long range. Lamar's three-point barrage was led by four each from Holifield and Lee.
 
While the Cardinals had a huge impact in the game defensively, Lamar took care of the basketball just turning the ball over just 11 times and ending the day with a 28-to-11 assist-to-turnover ratio.
 
The Cardinals return to action Tuesday at 1 p.m. Central to face Anna G. Mendez University.