LAKE CHARLES, La. - Kamryn Wilson scored a career-high 18 points in the second half to lead Lamar University, but it wasn't enough to slow down McNeese, who ended a 17-game losing streak to the Cardinals, 65-57 Saturday at the Townsley Law Arena.
 
Wilson went 6-of-10 from the field, including two from three-point range, while making 4-of-5 from the free throw line. T'Aaliyah Miner added 11 points and came within two rebounds of a second straight double-double.
 
While both teams made 40 percent, McNeese's defense held the Cardinals (6-6, 3-2 SLC) to 39 attempts. LU outrebounded the Cowgirls, 35-29, but committed 26 turnovers, which led to 26 McNeese points. McNeese also dominated the paint, 32-12.
 
LU got off to a quick start by hitting three of its first four shots, including a pair of threes from Miner. For the final six minutes of the quarter, the Cardinals failed to score, missing eight consecutive field goals and committing three turnovers, which allowed the Cowgirls to storm back with 11-straight points to take a 13-8 lead. 
 
The Cardinals would never lead for the rest of the game as McNeese stretched its lead to 19-10 to start the second quarter. A three-point play by Miner brought LU to within four before the Cowgirls went on an 8-3 run to build their lead back to nine points, 27-18. LU converted 3-of-8 from the floor but also made five free throws to trim the halftime deficit to 27-21. 
 
LU caught fire in the third quarter by shooting 7-of-9 from the field to score 20 points and make it a three-point game at 44-41. Quiet in the first half, Wilson led the way with 12 points, hitting all four of her field goal attempts and three from the free throw line.  
 
After two quick baskets by the Cowgirls to open the fourth quarter, a three-pointer by KJ Walker put LU within four, which would be the closest it would get to for the rest of the game. McNeese connected on 61.5 percent from the field while holding the Cardinals to four field goals.
 
LU returns home to the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center for a Thursday showdown with Houston Christian. The game will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+. 
 

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