Lamar University celebrated its 2024-25 season opener along with 1,800 kids from 13 local elementary schools with a 98-62 victory over Texas A&M-San Antonio. Monday's season opener was billed as Education Day where local elementary schools were in attendance for the game.
The Cardinals have now won 10 straight home season-openers dating back to 2015-16.
All 13 players for the Cardinals scored in the contest. Leading Big Red were its top two returning scorers from last season in Akasha Davis (21 points) and Sabria Dean (18 points), who combined for 39 points. Dean also posted eight rebounds, which was the team-high alongside Bebe Galloway and finished with four assists to equal NJ Weems and Justice Ross.
The Cardinals' offense was in high gear throughout the shooting 54.8 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from downtown and 82.8 percent from the charity stripe, hitting 24-of-29.
LU started the season off hot by hitting its first four shots of the game for a 10-2 run. The Jaguars wouldn't make things easy for the Cardinals as they would respond by trimming the deficit to three at 19-16 despite being held to 36.8 percent from the field in the first quarter. Three more points from LU meant a six-point lead of 22-16 as LU ended the quarter shooting 75 percent from the field.
Big Red then took control in the second quarter with a 28-10 surge. They hit better than 52 percent from the field, including three treys. One of those threes came from Kamryn Wilson who contributed seven points in the first half and grabbed three rebounds. Davis and Dean contributed six points each as the Cardinals grabbed a 50-26 lead at the break.
The third quarter was closely contested as both teams combined for 44 points. The Jaguars posted their best quarter with 21 points on 54-percent shooting. While San Antonio brought the game as close 16 points midway through the quarter (5:46) but LU responded with a 17-7 run in the final five minutes. Coming off the bench, Taliah Hill and R'Many Tayor contributed six and five points, respectively, in the quarter, which helped Big Red to a 73-47 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Cardinal reserves came on and spent the final quarter scoring 25 points with Galloway leading with six. After missing last season due to an injury, Cameron Dill would score her first career points on a three-pointer with three minutes to go. LU's final basket came from KJ Walker on a three-pointer to mark the final score of 98-62.
Big Red will hit the road in nine days to go up against nationally-ranked Texas in Austin. Tipoff is scheduled at 7 p.m.