HAMMOND, La. – Senior Andrew Holifield scored a game-high 17 points, but Lamar University struggled from the field dropping a 60-52 decision Monday evening at the University Center.
 
The Cardinals opened the game 5-for-28 from the field and were unable to climb all the way out of the hole despite a second-half run. LU finished the night 15-of-53 (.283) with four triples. Holifield was joined in double-figures by junior King-Njhsanni Wilhite (10).
 
Lamar once again dominated an opponent on the glass, 40-30, including 16 offensive boards which led to a 15-4 advantage on second chance points. Lamar turned the ball over 12 times to just eight for Southeastern, but the Cardinals limited the damage from their miscues. Big Red actually outscored the Lions, 8-7, in points off turnovers.
 
Southeastern was 19-of-45 (.422) from the field with six three-pointers. The Lions – who didn't have a single player in double figures – jumped out to a hot start building a 17-point first half lead and they were able to hold on down the stretch for the victory.
 
After Lamar hit the first field goal of the game – a Holifield three – things went south for the Red and White quickly. After that Holifield make, the Cardinals hit just one of its next 10 from the field and Southeastern took advantage on the other end.
 
The Lions connected on 10 of their first 15, including a 4-of-5 (.800) effort from three-point range to build a 17-point lead, 29-12, following a 13-0 run. The drought for Lamar was more than four minutes but came to an end at the free throw line followed by a Pennebaker three-pointer.
 
Lamar would settle down and trim the deficit by five headed into the locker room. The Cardinals finished the opening half shooting 5-of-28 (.179) and 2-of-10 (.200) from long range. The Cardinals won the battle on the boards in the first half, 19-17, including 10 offensive rebounds and Lamar grabbed an 8-2 advantage in second chance points.
 
Lamar began to chip away in the second half. Opening the half on a 7-3 run, the Cardinals pulled to within four following a Wilhite drive to basket, 40-36, with 12:13 remaining, but the momentum switched following a shorthanded trip down the court against Lamar.
 
Wilhite went down with an injury and Southeastern took the ball down the court – not a fast break – and play was never halted for the injury and the Lions hit a three-pointer and got fouled going to the stripe for a rare-four point play. The momentum shift moved the game from a seven-point lead to an 11-point Southeastern advantage.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they host the Southland's other Cardinals. The game against UIW will tip off at 6 p.m. from the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.