BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University junior Rob Lee Jr. scored a team-high 19 points, and was one of four Cardinals in double-figures, but LU fell just short to Stephen F. Austin, 88-81, Saturday afternoon at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
The conference-leading Lumberjacks (17-3/10-1 SLC) got all they could handle from Lamar who shot nearly 52 percent in the second half but that was not enough to overcome an SFA squad that hit better than 50 percent in both halves and ended the day 30-of-57 (.526) from the field with 13 three-pointers.
 
The Cardinals (10-10/5-6 SLC) ended the day 29-of-61 (.475) after their hot shooting second half. Among LU's 29 field goals, 10 came from beyond the three-point line. The Cardinals converted 13-of-15 (.867) from the free throw line, while SFA was 15-of-21.
 
The Cardinals dominated their guests on the glass to the tune of a 36-27 advantage and doubled up SFA on the offensive glass, 12-6, which led to a 20-7 advantage in second chance points. SFA received a lift from its bench posting a 21-17 scoring advantage from its reserves.
 
Joining Lee in double figures were senior Andrew Holifield and Branden East (15 points) while freshman Eian Lowe added 11. East also recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 13 rebounds.
 
Lowe gave the Cardinals a spark right before halftime when he buried a three-quarter court shot as the buzzer sounded to pull LU within two, 43-41, heading into the locker room. The Cardinals would then tie the game on their first make of the second half – a Holifield jumper – but the Lumberjacks responded with a triple.
 
The game remained a one-possession contest until SFA took a four-point lead with just over 14 to play but the Red and White responded with a Lowe three-pointer. Lowe followed with a steal moments later and got the ball to Cody Pennebaker who scored the fastbreak basket.
 
Unfortunately, the momentum did not hold and SFA was able to reclaim the lead. With the game tied at 60, the Lumberjacks rattled off a 9-2 run to build a seven-point lead. While Lamar would eventually get the deficit back down to a single possession, Lamar was never able to reclaim the lead down the stretch.
 
The Cardinals now return to action Tuesday when they host East Texas A&M. The game against the Lions, which was originally slated for Monday evening, has been moved to Tuesday due to threat of freezing conditions in the area. It will tip off at 6 p.m. and be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.