Lamar Knocks Off SLC Leader SHSU 60-57

[Guest mffl]

HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Anthony Miles scored 15 points and Ashton Hall made two free throws with 2.8 seconds left to lift Lamar to a 60-57 win over first-place Sam Houston State at Johnson Coliseum on Wednesday.

Playing without leading scorer Kenny Dawkins who was sidelined with an injury, the Cardinals played ball control offense and held the Bearkats to 37 percent shooting in snapping their three-game loasing streak.

Lamar (13-12, 4-7 Southland) snapped a four-game losing streak in Huntsville and handed Sam Houston State (14-10, 8-3) its first loss against a West Division team this year. The Cards had a season-low seven turnovers and converted 15 Sam Houston miscues into a 15-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

Trailing 56-55, Jay Brown scored on a layup to put Lamar ahead 57-56 with 1:31 left. After both teams misfired on their next possessions, Lamar took over on a travel by Drae Murray. With the shot clock off, Sam Houston was forced to foul and sent Miles to the line. He made the front end of the one-and-one but missed the second giving the Bearkats life, down by three with 11 seconds left.

Corey Allmond was fouled attempting a 3-pointer but only made the second attempt and Hall, who had been whistled for the infraction, grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made both free throws to put the Cardinals up by three again. The Bearkats' baseball pass to the top of the key was deflected and bounced around as time expired before anyone could get a shot off.

Hall finished with 11 points and seven rebounds for the Cardinals. Brandon McThay added nine points and tied his career-high with seven assists.

Murray led the Bearkats with 20 points as he was 6-of-6 from outside.

Lamar took its largest lead of the game on a 3-pointer by Hall with 8:07 left in the first half that put the Cardinals up 20-13. Lamar went into the locker room with a 29-26 lead.

Sam Houston opened the second period on an 8-2 run to secure a 34-31 lead 3:29 into the frame. From there the game had 11 of the 17 lead changes. The score was also tied seven times in the contest.

Lamar will return home and play host to Northwestern State on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at the Montagne Center. The Homecoming contest will be televised by the Southland Television Network and can be seen locally in the Beaumont area on Channel 35.

[DP#1FAN]

Congrats Cards!