The Lamar University football team lost to Southeastern Louisiana in overtime, 30-27, Nov. 2, at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
The Cardinals got on the scoreboard first with a 35-yard touchdown run by quarterback Robert Coleman, while SELA remained scoreless at the end of the first quarter.
In the 14th minute of the second quarter, Coleman threw an interception that led to a Southeastern Louisiana touchdown, tying the game 7-7. The Lion’s celebration didn't last long as Coleman went on to run in a four-yard touchdown, regaining the lead and finishing the half 14-7.
Lamar began the second half by scoring six minutes in with a Ben Woodward 38-yard field goal, making the game 17-7. SELA responded with a touchdown and then scored another one to finish off the third quarter, leading 21-17.
The fourth quarter was a defensive matchup between both teams until Lamar’s Kyndon Fuselier caught a 34-yard pass from quarterback Jakolby Longino for a touchdown as the Cardinals regained the lead.
Unfortunately for the Cards, the Lion’s tied the game with a 37-yard field goal in the final seconds, ending the game 24-24, and sending it to overtime.
“We threw a big interception that led to a touchdown; those things can't happen,” LU head coach Pete Rossomando said. “Good teams don't do that. They don't give away free yards, they don't throw interceptions at critical time. A sack would be way better right there than throwing.”
Despite the Cardinals scoring first with a field goal, Southeastern Louisiana took the victory with a four-yard touchdown run.
Lamar finished the game with 354 yards of total offense. The Cardinals attacked more on the ground with 230 yards rushing, led by running back Khalan Griffin's third consecutive 100-yard rushing game and fifth of the season.
Quarterbacks Coleman and Longino combined for 11-of-23 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. They also connected with seven different receivers, led by wide receiver Fuselier's four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinals are now 5-4 overall and 2-2 in Southland Conference play where they sit in fourth place.
Lamar hits the road next weekend where they will face off against University of the Incarnate Word at 2 p.m., Nov. 9, in San Antonio.