Box Score HOUSTON, Texas – Lamar University went on a 13-0 run that extended from late in the first half into the second trimming a double-digit deficit down to a single point, but Houston Christian responded with a run of its own and held on for the 75-53 victory. The loss ends Lamar's season at 12-19 overall and 7-15 in Southland Conference play.
 
Lamar's offense never managed to find its rhythm Monday hitting just 21-of-64 (.333) attempts, with four three-pointers. The Cardinals dominated the boards in the opening 20 minutes but HCU bounced back in the second half to outrebound Lamar by one, 36-35, despite 17 offensive rebounds for Lamar.
 
The Huskies shot nearly 67 percent in the second to end the night 26-of-49 (.531) from the field with five three-pointers.
 
Sophomore Braden East led the team with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He tied for team-high honors with junior Rob Lee Jr. Senior Cody Pennebaker ended his LU career with a 12-point, six-rebound and one-assist effort.
 
Lamar opened the game on a 6-0 run converting three of their first six attempts. The Huskies were at the opposite end of the spectrum drawing blanks on their first seven attempts. Unfortunately, momentum would switch ends as the Huskies responded with a 10-2 run to tie the game with 13:30 remaining in the opening half.
 
The Huskies continued to press the issue pushing their run to 17-3 over a six-minute stretch as the advantage jumped to 14 points. Despite Lamar's struggles from the field, they flexed on the glass, 22-15, including an 8-3 advantage on the offense end. It was that advantage that led to a run late in the half surge to get back within two possessions.
 
Led by 10 first-half points and rebounds from East, the Cardinals closed the half on a 9-0 run to go into the locker room down just five, 29-24.
 
LU finished the half 10-of-30 (.333) from the field with two triples, while the Huskies were 12-of-28 (.429).
 
The Cardinals scored the first four points of the second half pulling to within a single point less than a minute in, but HCU responded with an 8-0 run to reclaim a nine-point advantage. The lead continued to grow for the home team as it ballooned to 21 before the final buzzer.