BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University was down multiple starters and it proved to be too much to overcome as the Cardinals dropped a 77-71 decision to New Orleans Saturday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
 
Led by four players in double figures, the Cardinals (12-16/7-12 SLC) shot 24-of-66 (.364) from the field with nine three-pointers. Unfortunately, the Cardinals struggled at the free throw line converting just 14-of-24 (.583) attempts.
 
With sophomore Braden East – the Southland's leading rebounder – sidelined for the night, the Privateers outrebounded LU, 43-39.
 
The Privateers ended the night 25-of-55 (.455) from the field but were held to a 6-of-20 (.300) effort form long range. UNO was sent to the free throw line 27 times knocking down 21 attempts.
 
Seniors Andrew Holifield and Errol White just missed double-doubles. Holifield scored 14 points and pulled down nine rebounds, while White had 14 and eight. Freshman Eian Lowe scored 13 points while redshirt freshman Jayden Gambrell came off the bench to score 12 on 4-of-6 shooting from long range.
 
Lamar jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game forcing the Privateers to call a timeout. The break was just what UNO needed as it pulled even at 16 with less than 10 to play. The Privateers managed to grab a seven-point lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first half before Lamar closed to within a single possession heading into the intermission.
 
Unfortunately, UNO pushed its lead to as many as 11 with less than five minutes into the half. The deficit ballooned to as many as 19 in the second half before Lamar began to chip away. The Cardinals got the back within two possessions late but were unable to pull even.
 
The Cardinals will not turn their attention to senior night Monday against Nicholls. The game against the Cardinals will tip off at 6 p.m. from the Neches Arena.