BEAUMONT, Texas – In a battle of the top two teams in the Southland Conference, Lamar University couldn't overcome a slow first half as it fell, 64-52, to McNeese Saturday at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. The loss snaps LU's seven-game win streak and puts it in a tie for second along with UT Rio Grande Valley in the standings.
The Cardinals had three players in double figures, with
Shaila Forman scoring a team-high 12 points.
R'Mani Taylor (three assists) and
Kamryn Wilson both finished with 10, while
Taliah Hill secured 10 rebounds.
LU (13-7, 10-3 SLC) shot 37.5 percent from the field but managed to hit one three-pointer. McNeese's defense, which ranked second in the nation, forced the Cardinals to commit 22 turnovers, which led to 22 points. LU did control the glass by outrebounding the Cowgirls, 39-28.
From the opening tip, the Cowgirls would maintain control as they jumped out to an 11-0 lead before LU got on the board. Wilson scored five points in the quarter on two field goals, but the rest of the Cardinals would hit one more shot in the quarter, yet trailed 15-9.
McNeese further separated itself in the second quarter with 26 points on 52.9 percent (9-of-17) shooting. LU trailed 22-14 before the Cowgirls finished the first half on a 19-5 run. Eight turnovers plagued the Cardinals, who managed to hit 4-of-10 from the field and trailed by 22 at the half.
The Cardinals would play their best quarter of basketball in the third quarter as they hit five of their first six shots to spark a 19-8 run. LU's starting five combined for 13 points, while the Cowgirls were held to only two field goals. Big Red cut the deficit to 11 entering the fourth quarter.
Forman opened the fourth with a layup and brought LU back within three possessions, but that was as close as the game would get. McNeese netted 5-of-10 from the field and extended its margin to 18, 60-42, with 3:57 to go. Despite six points each from Forman and Denley, the Cardinals could only get the final margin to 12.
The Cardinals will look to bounce back Thursday as they will host Northwestern State at Neches Arena. The game will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
