Lamar guard Cody Pennebaker dunks the ball against Northwestern State, Jan. 27, in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
The Lamar University men’s basketball team picked up their third-straight Southland Conference win against Northwestern State, 69-59, Jan. 27, in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
Both teams entered the game fighting for third place in the SLC standings. The Northwestern State Demons started the game strong, shooting 40 percent from the field compared to the Cardinal’s 28 percent. Lamar entered halftime trailing 28-33.
“ I was challenging (the players) because we were not playing as tough as we're capable of playing,” LU head coach Alvin Brooks said. “(NSU) were tougher in the first half. They were playing harder. This is why they were out rebounding us. I was not happy with that, to be totally honest with you. So, I challenged Adam Hamilton and the rest of our guys to just be who we are. Just start playing with more passion and more fire.”
Despite being down eight points, the Cardinals never backed down and ultimately overcame the deficit to build a 12-point lead of their own. Lamar didn't let the Demons get in their heads, not allowing them to get any closer than two possessions in the final 20 minutes.
The Cardinals led the game in points off turnovers with 10 and knocked down 10 three-pointers, ending the game 10-of-28 (.357) from the arc.
”Our defense turned up,” Brooks said. “We were being out rebounded in the first half. We started rebounding. We won a rebound battle in the second half. And then we played offense at a lot faster pace. And we scored 41 points in the second half. That's Lamar basketball.”
LU’s Hamilton ended the game with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Joining him in double figures were guards Alexis Marmolejos with 14, Ja’Sean Jackson with 13, and Danquez Dawsey with 10.
Brooks said Hamilton’s leadership turned the game around in the second half.
“We came out with fire and Adam talking to team with some leadership,” Brooks said. “We forced them to miss their first shot and then Adam got to start getting defensive rebounds. We started getting out and running and playing the space, attacking, and I thought that turned it.
Lamar are now 12-9 overall and 7-3 in SLC play where they sit tied for second place.
”These guys really like playing with each other and they're a really good group,” Brooks said. “They work really hard. It's the chemistry that's going to give us a chance to continue to compete in Southland Conference play.”
The Cardinals hit the road to play Stephen F. Austin. on Feb. 1. The game will tip-off at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+
The Lamar men’s basketball team celebrate a turnover in the final minutes of the game against Northwestern State, Jan. 27, in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
LU guard Alexis Marmolejos attempts a contested three-pointer against Northwestern State, Jan. 27, in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. UP photo by Brian Quijada.