BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University junior Rob Lee Jr. scored a game-high 28 points and sophomore Braden East added 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds as the Cardinals defeated East Texas A&M, 82-61, Tuesday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. The victory moves Lamar to 11-10 on the season and 6-6 in Southland Conference play.
 
The Cardinals shot better than 60 percent in the second half to make up for a slow start and finished the game 31-of-64 (.484) from the field. Big Red also knocked down 11 three-pointers (11-of-24/.458) led by Lee's 6-of-9 (.667) effort.
 
LU once again dominated the glass outrebounding East Texas A&M, 49-33, which included 16 offensive rebounds.
 
Joining Lee and East in double figures was junior King-Njhsanni Wilhite. The San Francisco native added 12 points on 5-of-9 (.556) shooting.
 
ETAMU outshot Lamar in the opening half (12-for-30/.400) but the Cardinals turned up the defensive pressure in the second half. The Lions ended the day converting just 23-of-64 (.359) attempts and were 8-of-17 at the free throw line.
 
Despite the fact Lamar jumped out to an 11-point lead first half, the Lions managed to keep it close and even took a one-point lead before going in the locker room down just two. The Lions grabbed an early second half lead (45-43) before Lamar answered with a 14-0 run to build back their double-digit lead. After the run, ETAMU could get no closer than eight before Lamar watched its advantage grow to as many as 23 in the closing minutes.
 
Now in a three-way tie for fifth, the Cardinals now turn their attention to a Saturday showdown against Battle of the Border rival McNeese. The game against the Cowboys is set for a 6 p.m. tip from the Neches Arena.