Cards surge past Roadrunners

Lamar moved to 15-8, 6-3 against Southland Conference competition, after beating UTSA 80-66 in the Montagne Center, Saturday.

The Cards' Brandon Davis, who started the past three games in place of suspended forward Charlie Harper, scored 21 of his game-high in the second half as Lamar out scored the Roadrunners 53-39.

 "We let our game against UTA slip away in the second half, and we didn't want that to happen today," Davis said. "We decided to pick up the pace in the second half and take advantage of every break that came our way." 

Head coach Pat Knight said Davis played well and will start as Harper eases back with the team.

"(Davis) has been big," Knight said. "It's not just his three-point shooting, it's his mid-range game as well. Now he's becoming a dual threat. If he doesn't step it up, we don't win three in a row. I was glad we didn't miss a beat. When bad things happen to your team, guys can go the other way, but I think these guys cease the opportunity.

"When you get suspended, you have to work your way back up — you're in the dog house."

Forward Devon Lamb recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

"This was our best game," Lamb said. "We went out there and wanted it more — we out-battled them."

Knight said his team's patience helped them get around the UTSA zone defense.

"We knew they played zone," he said. "That's all they run. When you play zone, you have to stick with it. I didn't think they would come out of it."

The Cards take on Northwestern State in the Montagne Center, Wednesday. Lamar dropped the last meeting against the Demons, losing 74-62.

 Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.