BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University junior Rob Lee Jr. scored a game-high 25 points and sophomore Braden East added his fourth consecutive double-double (13 points and 13 rebounds), but it wasn't enough to hold off McNeese. The Cowboys were forced to come from behind but eked out a 64-63 victory Saturday afternoon at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
The Cardinals overcame a tough first half offensively to finish the game 23-of-61 (.377) from the field. After a sluggish first half, Lamar came out of the locker room re-energized shooting 50 percent from the field in the second half.
 
Lamar again defeated its opponent on the glass outrebounding McNeese, 43-33, including 20 offensive rebounds.
 
After a solid first half, the Cowboys struggled in the second. McNeese closed the game making just eight of their final 28 but half of their makes were three-pointers. The visitors from across the border finished the night 20-of-54 (.370) from the field. The Cowboys also sank a half court buzzer-beater following a block shot to close the half which would end up playing a huge role in the outcome of the game.
 
Unfortunately, McNeese took advantage of its opportunities on the free throw line. The Cowboys knocked down 17-of-19 (.895) attempts from the stripe.
 
The Cowboys took an eight-point lead into the locker room following Javohn Garcia's halfcourt shot. The basket capped a 9-0 run to close the half as Lamar had claimed a one-point lead just minutes earlier.
 
Undaunted, the Red and White went back to work in the second half slowly inching their way back to the lead. Trailing by a point, Lamar worked the ball inside to East who scored a basket and drew a foul. After knocking down the free throw, East put Lamar back in front by a point, 40-39, with 11:07 to play.
 
The lead became three following a pass to senior Janko Bulajic who turned from a defender and sprinted to the basket for a dunk to give LU a three-point advantage. The lead was again three following a three-pointer from Lee moments later that came off an offensive rebound.
 
The advantage didn't last long as McNeese rattled off a 13-6 run to reclaim a four-point lead with just over two minutes to play. The Cowboys pushed their lead to five with 27 seconds remaining but the baskets from Holifield and two from Lee pulled LU within a point but McNeese hit its free throws down the stretch to hold off LU.
 
The Cardinals must now regroup with Southeastern Louisiana coming to town Monday. The game against the Lions will close out the current four-game homestand. The contest against SLU will tip off at 6 p.m. from Neches Arena. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.