LU mens’ basketball stunned in heartbreaking loss
The Cardinals took on the Abilene Christian University Wildcats at the Montagne Center, Jan. 29, ultimately coming up short in the game’s final minute, 85-82..
Lamar led for much of the first half, holding as much as a seven-point lead. Sophomore Kasen Harrison drilled a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer as the Cardinals took a one-point lead into the locker room.
Abilene Christian went on an 18-5 scoring run to start the second half, giving them a 14-point lead. Lamar fired back, going on a 16-2 run of their own to close the gap. As the clock wound down into the final 60 seconds, ACU remained ahead by just two points.
With eight seconds remaining in the contest, Lamar junior Jordyn Adams drove to the basket and converted a layup with a chance for a three-point play. However, an ACU defender stepped in front of Adams to draw a charge, causing the tying basket to be waved off.
Seemingly frustrated with the foul call, two technical fouls were issued to Lamar head coach Alvin Brooks and he was ejected from the game. The technicals gave ACU four free throws, giving the Wildcats an 85-82 edge.
Harrison led the Cardinals in scoring with 19 points, followed by Adams with 18 and senior guard C.J. Roberts with 13.
Lamar University falls to 0-10 in Western Athletic Conference play. They look to break the losing streak on the road at UT Rio Grande Valley, Feb. 2, in Edinburg.
Lady Cardinals fall in close road contest
Lamar womens’ basketball played a tight game on the road against Abilene Christian, but couldn’t close things out down the stretch as they fell to the Wildcats, 66-54.
The Cards were able to get a 5-2 lead early in the first quarter before the Wildcats went on an 8-0 surge. LU responded with seven unanswered points. The score was tied 12-12 at the end of one.
Each side traded baskets early in the second quarter. ACU then went on a 7-2 run to extend the lead to five, which they would maintain for the rest of the quarter. With eight points from sophomore Sabria Dean in the second period, the Cardinals managed to trim the deficit to just three points, 31-28.
LU tied it at 32-32 to start the third quarter. The Wildcats pushed ahead again, going up by eight points. Senior Angel Hastings would lead an 11-6 LU run, bringing the Lady Cardinals closer, 46-43, after three.
The Lady Cardinals would tie the score at 52-52 with 6:52 left to go in the game. However, ACU closed the contest with a 14-2 run to end Lamar’s three-game winning streak.
Dean posted a team-high 18 points and six rebounds. Hastings scored 10 points off the bench for the Lady Cards as well.
Lamar still sits at fifth place in the WAC with a 5-4 conference record. They face UT Rio Grande Valley in the Montagne Center, Feb. 3.