Lamar's visit to Fant-Ewing Coliseum on November 17th ended in a convincing 79-66 victory over Louisiana-Monroe, with the Cardinals' balanced offense proving too much for the Warhawks to handle. The win marked a strong performance by Lamar, who improved their record to 11-10. Louisiana-Monroe, on the other hand, fell to 3-18.
From the outset, Lamar set the tone, taking a 40-27 lead into halftime. The Cardinals' offense was paced by Andrew Holifield, who finished with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Holifield's effort was complemented by Braden East, who chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds, and Jayden Gambrell, who added 11 points. The trio's collective performance allowed Lamar to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half, as they matched Louisiana-Monroe's 39 points to secure the 13-point win.
Despite the loss, Louisiana-Monroe's MJ Russell had a standout game, scoring 24 points to lead the Warhawks. Russell's performance was supported by Lavell Brodnex, who contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Przemek Hartman, who scored 11 points. However, the Warhawks' efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome Lamar's strong team performance.
The game unfolded with Lamar taking control early, and they never relinquished their lead. The Cardinals' ability to score consistently and limit Louisiana-Monroe's scoring opportunities proved decisive. As the second half progressed, Lamar continued to pull away, and the Warhawks were unable to mount a significant comeback.
This matchup had implications for both teams' tournament resumes, with Lamar securing a Quadrant 4 win and Louisiana-Monroe suffering a Quadrant 4 loss. For Lamar, the victory helps to bolster their tournament chances, as they continue to accumulate wins against lower-ranked opponents. Conversely, the loss further complicates Louisiana-Monroe's already challenging season, making it increasingly difficult for them to regain traction.
In terms of resume implications, this result is unlikely to significantly alter Lamar's tournament prospects, given the Quadrant 4 designation. However, the win does help to solidify their position and provides a boost to their overall record. For Louisiana-Monroe, the loss serves as another setback in a difficult season, and they must regroup and refocus in order to salvage their tournament hopes. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this performance, with Lamar seeking to maintain their momentum and Louisiana-Monroe aiming to rebound from a tough defeat.