COMMERCE, Texas — Lamar University’s bid to put an end to Texas A&M-Commerce’s undefeated conference record fell in the final minute as the Lions seized momentum with a fourth quarter rally and then held on for the 57-52 win.
The Cardinals are now 8-8 overall and 2-3 in the Southland Conference.
Sabria Dean led all scorers with 18 points on eight-of-16 shooting from the field while Akasha Davis tallied 14 points. Portia Adams would contribute eight points while Emma Imevbore grabbed seven rebounds.
LU finished the game with 38.6% shooting from the field.
The Lions began the contest putting together the first five points. Dean would get LU on the board by scoring seven of the next nine points, including a shot clock buzzer-beating three that needed a fortunate bounce off the iron to go in.
Davis also went on a scoring spree adding six in the quarter as she helped LU overcome a 14-9 deficit while Portia Adams converted a three-pointer to beat the buzzer, which also needed a fortunate bounce off the iron.
LU led 16-14 after one by hitting 58.3% from the field.
AMC started the second quarter with an 8-2 run to be up 22-18. While the Cardinals battled to within 24-23, the Lions created a 7-2 run extending their lead to 31-25.
Dean’s three cut the lead in half as the Cardinals went into the break down 31-28. Dean and R’Mani Taylor combined for nine points.
Once again, Dean ignited an LU spark with four straight points to open the third quarter, which gave LU the lead. After a four point run by the Lions, a three-point play by Davis tied the score at 35.
Each two teams traded baskets until the Lions scored four straight for a 43-39 lead after three. Big Red converted 35.7% from the field.
The Cardinals tied the score at 43 with a free throw by Davis and a three-point play by Alyiah Craft. But the game changed as the Lions would spark themselves to a 8-2 run to lead 51-45.
Adams drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 52-50 with 52 seconds to go. Unfortunately, the Lions fended off any last ditch efforts from the Cardinals by converting a late game layup and free throws down the stretch.
The Cardinals are back home this Thursday night at 5:00 p.m. as they will take on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
