KFDM COOP Posted January 8, 2008 Report Posted January 8, 2008 Lamar rallies to victory from 14 downBy Bob West The Port Arthur News BEAUMONT — No thanks to Ryan Toolson, Lamar University will head into its Southland Conference opener Saturday night riding a wave of momentum and confidence. The Cardinals, shot into a deep hole when Toolson scored 29 points in the game’s first 25 minutes, roared back from 14 down to turn back Utah Valley State, 74-69 Tuesday night at the Montagne Center. It took a 14-0 spurt that finished off a 23-4 run in a span of 7:57 to get Steve Roccaforte’s scrambling team over the hump.Lamar turned defeat into victory with full court defense pressure that forced five turnovers in a span of 11 possessions and led to eight points in the run. The Cardinals took the lead for good, 66-64, on a Lamar Sanders putback at 4:02, then got seven points from Kenny Dawkins down the stretch to sack the victory away.The Cardinals’ third win in four games improved them to 6-7 going into Saturday night’s SLC opener against Texas-San Antonio at the Montange Center. Utah Valley, which played much better than its record, dropped to 6-11.“Our players manned up, showed a lot of heart and a lot of grit,†said Roccaforte. “It was a hard game. To gut out a win like this should give us a lot of confidence we can make the plays to pull a game out in the last four or five minutes.“Toolson is as good a shooter as you’re going to see in the nation. He does that to everybody they play. He was impressive.â€Nobody in a crowd announced at 2,765 would argue. The 6-4 junior from Gilbert, Ariz., hit 10 of his first 12 shots, including 7-of-8 treys. Then, in part because of havoc wreaked by the press, and in part by stifling defense from Matt Barrow, he didn’t get off a shot for over 10 minutes, and wound up making only one more field goal to finish with 32 points.Toolson’s 8 three pointers tied the Montagne Center record for a visiting player.“He’s a great shooter. We knew coming in No. 10 was averaging 22 points a game,†Barrow said. “It was stressed to us don’t let him catch the ball, get a hand in his face. But at the end of the day it’s about who comes out with the victory. “He may go for 40, but it doesn’t make any difference if it’s in a loss.Lamar Sanders led the way offensively and defensively for the Cardinals. Sanders’ stat line included 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocked shots. “This was a real key win for us,†said an elated Sanders. “This sets a tone for the start of conference.†Four other Cardinals scored in double figures. Barrow had 14 points, Dawkins chipped in with 13 and five assists, Justin Nabors had 11 points, six rebounds and four steals and Darren Hopkins had 10 points. Eight of Hopkins’ 10, including a pair of treys, came during the 23-4 run.Lamar came up with 13 steals in forcing 18 turnovers that were turned into 19 points. The Cardinals beat the Wolverines 31-26 on the boards, outscored them 34-20 in the paint and owned a 16-8 advantage in second-chance points. Fifteen of the Cardinals’ 31 rebounds were on the offensive glass.It took everything Lamar could muster because of how well Utah Valley shot the ball. The Wolverines, although they made only two of their last 10 attempts, still finished at 56 percent (28-of-50) for the game.
Guest abovetherim Posted January 9, 2008 Report Posted January 9, 2008 Great job Cardinals. I missed the game due to my daughter having West Nile Virus. Please add her to your prayer list as we are leaving shortly for to see a infectious disease MD in Houston.Go Cardinals!!! I'm proud to hear they fought back hard to win the game. Now let's start the conference season off right versus UTSA.
Guest mffl Posted January 9, 2008 Report Posted January 9, 2008 Great job Cardinals. I missed the game due to my daughter having West Nile Virus. Please add her to your prayer list as we are leaving shortly for to see a infectious disease MD in Houston.Go Cardinals!!! I'm proud to hear they fought back hard to win the game. Now let's start the conference season off right versus UTSA. Hope shes ok abtr.
Guest abovetherim Posted January 9, 2008 Report Posted January 9, 2008 Thanks for the concern about my daughter guys. She has West Nile Virus for sure but there isn't any treatment. I knew that when we left this morning but my wife wanted to see the doctor at Texas Children's in Houston. The only treatment would be if she developed meningitis or encephalitis. The reason my wife is worried (and me too) is she has passed out twice since the diagnosis. We have an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist for a tilt-table test and possibility a 24 hr holter monitor. All we know at this point is she has West Nile, but the doctor doesn't think her neuromuscular symptoms are related to the virus. He thinks it could be hormones (she is 12) or cardiac related. I agree based on this information I know of West Nile. I just hope it's related to her going through puberty and not cardiac/heart related. Again, thanks for the prayers and the concern. It is much appreciated.
Guest abovetherim Posted January 9, 2008 Report Posted January 9, 2008 You bet and thanks for the prayers.
LamarJunior Posted January 9, 2008 Report Posted January 9, 2008 Thanks for the prayers for my little cousin. She is such a cutie. 8)
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