Lamar's high-powered offense proved too much for Nicholls State to handle, as the Cardinals secured a 90-80 victory at David R. Stopher Gymnasium. The win marked a strong performance by Lamar, who capitalized on their opportunities to take down the Colonels. Rob Lee Jr. led the charge for Lamar, scoring 20 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, while Andrew Holifield added 17 points to the effort.
Nicholls State, meanwhile, was paced by Sincere Malone's impressive 22-point, 8-assist outing. Jaylen Searles chipped in with 20 points of his own, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Lamar. The Colonels trailed by 5 at halftime, with Lamar taking a 45-40 lead into the break. Despite a strong push in the second half, Nicholls State couldn't close the gap, ultimately falling by 10 points.
The game was marked by a series of runs, with Lamar using a strong stretch midway through the first half to build their lead. Nicholls State fought back, but the Cardinals' offense continued to click, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Cody Pennebaker added 11 points for Lamar, highlighting the team's depth and versatility.
For Nicholls State, the loss marks a missed opportunity to bolster their resume. The game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for the Colonels, and the defeat will likely have minimal impact on their tournament chances. On the other hand, Lamar's win falls under Quadrant 3, providing a modest boost to their resume. With a current NET ranking of 221, Lamar want to build on this performance to improve their standing.
The outcome of the game was never truly in doubt, as Lamar's offense consistently found ways to score. While Nicholls State's Sincere Malone turned in a strong individual performance, it wasn't enough to overcome the collective effort of the Cardinals. As the season wears on, Lamar want to continue their strong play, while Nicholls State will aim to bounce back from the loss.
In terms of tournament implications, the loss doesn't significantly harm Nicholls State's chances, given the Quadrant 4 designation. However, the Colonels must regroup and refocus to make a push in their conference. For Lamar, the win provides a welcome boost to their resume, and they'll look to capitalize on this momentum in their upcoming games. With their current NET ranking and a growing list of solid performances, Lamar is slowly building a case for tournament consideration.