BEAUMONT, Texas — Freshman Nate Calmese scored 17 points and was one of three Cardinals in double figures, but Lamar University missed free throws and an inability to hit the big shot down the stretch cost LU falling to Texas A&M-Commerce, 62-57, Thursday evening at the Montagne Center.
Calmese was joined in double figures by sophomore Terry Anderson (16 points) and junior Chris Pryor (10) for an offense that shot 21-of-47 (.447) from the field, but just four of those makes came from three-point range. The Cardinals opened the game converting 12-of-23 in the first half.
Big Red had its struggles at the free throw line which proved costly in a close game. The Cardinals shot 11-of-18 (.611) from the stripe, compared to a 12-of-15 (.800) effort for A&M-Commerce.
The Lions were led by 12 points from Jerome Brewer, who set the tone for an offense that shot nearly 48 percent from the field. Of Commerce’s 20 field goals, half came from three-point land (10-of-27/.370).
Big Red did the majority of its damage in the paint, despite not having the services of freshman big man Yuto Yamanouchi. LU outscored A&M-Commerce, 34-18, in the paint and had a 15-2 advantage in second chance points, due in large part to 10 offensive rebounds. The Cards won the war on the glass, 27-25.
The Cardinals will look to get back in the win column Saturday when they travel to Natchitoches, La. to face Northwestern State. The game against the Demons is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. from Prather Coliseum.