by James Dixon
BEAUMONT, Texas – Six players scored in double figures – led by 20 points from Beaumont native Andrew Holifield – as Lamar University defeated Paul Quinn College, 113-42, Monday night to kick off the 2024-25 season.
The Cardinals (1-0) shot better than 56 percent for the game (46-of-82) following a second half that saw the Cardinals convert 26-of-39 (.667) attempts. Every Cardinal who checked into the game hit at least one field goal on the night.
Seventy-four of Lamar’s 113 points came from newcomers as Holifield was joined in double digits by Alexis Marmolejo’s (18), Ja’Sean Jackson (16 points, nine assists), Danquez Dawsey (12) and 10 each from Jayden Barrs and Adam Hamilton. Errol White scored six points and led all players with 14 rebounds.
As impressive as LU was offensively, the defense had an even bigger impact. Lamar forced the Tigers into 31 turnovers (21 steals) which the Cardinals converted into 45 points on the other end of the floor. Lamar also dominated the glass recording a 49-34 rebound advantage and blocked three shots. The Tigers ended the night shooting 16-fo-53 (.302) from the field following a 26-percent effort in the final 20 minutes.
Paul Quinn was led by 12 points from Derrick Miller, and he was the lone Tiger in double figures.
Lamar opened the game on a 15-4 run and never looked back. The advantage had ballooned to 22-6 before the 10-minute mark of the first half. LU carried a 30-point advantage into the locker room.
