by James Dixon
BEAUMONT, Texas – Four different Cardinals scored in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to slow down an upstart New Orleans squad who outscored Lamar University by six in the second half to post a 68-62 decision Monday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
Senior Danquez Dawsey led the Cardinals (9-8/4-2 SLC) with 15 points on 6-of-9 (.667) shooting, including a 3-of-4 (.750) effort from long range. Dawsey was joined in double figures by classmate Ja’Sean Jackson (11 points), Andrew Holifield (10) and Adam Hamilton (10). Junior Alexis Marmolejos just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds
As a team the Cardinals shot 22-of-64 (.344) from the field but were 8-of-17 (.471) from long range. New Orleans won the battle on the glass, 43-37, but Lamar had an advantage in offensive rebounds. Unfortunately, Big Red was unable to convert the second chances into points as UNO held a 16-9 advantage on second chance points.
The Privateers ended the night converting 26-of-60 (.433) from the field, including six three-pointers. UNO also took advantage of their opportunities from the free throw line hitting 10-of-12 (.833).
The Cardinals led by 12 points midway through the first half before UNO closed the half on a 23-11 run to get into locker room tied at 35. UNO came out in the second half with the same intensity. With the game tied at 50 with just over 13 to play, the visitors rattled of a 14-4 run to build a 10-point lead over the next 6:33 of game time.
Lamar would answer pulling within four on an Adam Hamilton layup that came off a UNO turnover. Unfortunately, the Cardinals could get no closer in the final 1:39 as New Orleans held on for the win.
