BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University is ready to tip off the 2026-27 season as it hosts Louisiana Christian at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center Monday. The game will start at 5:30 p.m. as the first of a doubleheader with men's basketball and will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
PREVIOUSLY
The Cardinals defeated North American, 96-47 in an exhibition Thursday. LU had six players in double figures with Solenne Olenga leading the way with a double-double (17 points and 15 rebounds).
 
LET THE WIN COUNTDOWN BEGIN
Head coach Aqua Franklin enters her seventh season at the helm with 120 career victories. She is nine wins shy of breaking the program record of 128 victories, set by Larry Tidwell (2007-13). While both coaches guided the Cardinals to four 20-win seasons, Franklin's teams are the only ones to have won at least 20 games in four consecutive seasons.
 
HOME OPENERS = HIGH LIKELY WIN
All-time, the Cardinals are 43-12 in home openers, including their last 11 straight. The last time LU lost its home opener was in the 2014-15 season, when Big Red fell to Louisiana, 75-55.
 
ALL-TIME VS. LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN
Lamar holds a 5-1 record against the Wildcats. The last time the two teams met was back in the 2018-19 season, when the Cardinals handled Louisiana Christian, 94-43, at home.
 
ABOUT THE WILDCATS
The Wildcats finished the 2025-26 season with a 5-23 record, with four wins coming in the Red River Athletic Conference. Carlea Owens is the key returner for the Wildcats after averaging 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds last season.
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals hit the road for a pair of games, beginning Saturday at UT Arlington. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.

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