Lamar's Rob Lee Jr. stole the show at the Montagne Center, scoring 31 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to propel his team to a 64-56 victory over Houston Christian. The Cardinals' strong second-half performance was the deciding factor, as they outscored the Huskies 41-27 after the break. At halftime, Houston Christian held a slim 29-23 lead, but Lamar's adjustments paid off, and they took control of the game.
Lee Jr.'s impressive outing was the catalyst for Lamar's success. He consistently found ways to score, whether it was driving to the basket or knocking down perimeter shots. His 31 points were a game-high, and his 7 rebounds helped Lamar gain a 34-32 edge on the glass. Andrew Holifield and King-Njhsanni Wilhite also chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively, to support Lee Jr.'s efforts.
Houston Christian's Kylin Green was the team's top performer, scoring 15 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Demarco Bethea added 13 points, and Mambourou Mara contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Lamar's second-half surge. The Huskies' offense struggled to find consistency, and they were unable to keep pace with Lamar's high-powered attack.
The game was a non-conference matchup, but it still holds significance for both teams' resumes. For Lamar, this win is classified as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not be the most impressive on their schedule, but it's still a win that can help them build momentum. On the other hand, this loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat for Houston Christian, which could impact their chances of making a postseason push.
As the season progresses, Lamar want to build on this win and continue to improve their record. With a current mark of 11-10, they still have work to do to become a serious contender. However, with performances like Lee Jr.'s, they have the potential to make some noise in their conference. Houston Christian, now 8-13, faces an uphill battle to turn their season around, but they can still learn from this game and use it as an opportunity to grow.
This win is a reflection of Lamar's ability to adapt and overcome adversity. After a slow start, they regrouped and dominated the second half, showcasing their resilience and determination. As they move forward, they'll need to continue to rely on players like Lee Jr. to lead the charge. For now, this victory is a positive step in the right direction, and it will be interesting to see how Lamar's resume shapes up as the season unfolds.