KFDM COOP Posted November 9, 2007 Report Posted November 9, 2007 BEAUMONT - Lamar University, who is coming off a 92-75 exhibition win over Incarnate Word, hosts Central Oklahoma in its final tune-up before the start of the regular season Saturday at 7 p.m. in men's basketball exhibition action at the Montagne Center. Lamar and UCO met in exhibition action last season with the Cardinals posting a come-from-behind 74-63 win over the Bronchos. The Cardinals open their 57th season as a four-year institution Tuesday at 7 p.m. when LeTourneau University visits the Montagne Center. Junior Kenny Dawkins led four Cardinals in double-figures with 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field, including 3 of 6 from three-point range in last Saturday's win over Incarnate Word. A 5-9 point guard from Holly Springs, Miss., Dawkins also grabbed six rebounds, dished out seven assists and had three steals. Senior Mathew Barrow chipped in 15 points of 5 of 8 shooting from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Senior Currye Todd came off the bench to score 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. Senior Darren Hopkins added 10 points. Lamar shot 44.7 percent from the field, 31 percent from 3-point range and 71.4 percent from the free throw line. The Cardinals outrebounded UIW 42 to 39, including grabbing 14 on the offensive glass which led to nine second chance points. Lamar enjoyed a 36-20 advantage in points in the paint and 24-17 in points off turnovers. UCO returns three starters and seven letterwinners from last year's 20-8 squad. The Bronchos were 9-3 in the Lone Star Conference North Division. UCO is coached by Terry Evans, who has an 89-56 record in five years at the helm. Evans played for Lamar Director of Athletics Billy Tubbs at Oklahoma. Senior Sam Belt is the Bronchos' leading returning scorer at 17.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg. He led the team with 67 3-pointers made and shot 44.6 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from 3-point range and 80.1 percent from the free throw line. The other two returning starters are senior guard Brian Walker and sophomore forward Keith Marks. Walker averaged 7.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg. Marks averaged 2.0 ppg and 2.2 rpg. As a team, UCO averaged 82.9 ppg last season and shot 47.6 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point range and 67.2 percent from the free throw line.
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