BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University exploded out of the gate for a 22-6 first half lead and never looked back defeating Arlington Baptist, 105-40, Monday evening at the Montagne Center. The victory pushed the Cardinals back over .500 (3-2) on the season.

“When we scheduled this game back during the offseason, it was done with the intention of trying to grow our young team and get better,” said LU head coach Tic Price. “We got a chance to look at everyone tonight and that’s what we wanted. Our first unit was very committed to making their stops and we didn’t let up. We had carry over to our bench as well – our bench outscored Arlington’s, 44-29.”

Senior Josh Nzeakor led an offense that shot better than 50 percent from the field (38-of-75/.507). The Mesquite, Texas native struck for 24 points on 10-of-12 (.833) shooting. He also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. Nzeakor was one of four Cardinals in double-figures as junior Jordan Hunter came off the bench to score 12 and senior Nick Garth and Michael Kolawole each added 10.

Big Red was a solid 9-of-25 (.360) from beyond arc but did the majority of their damage in the paint, 54-14. The Red and White also received a huge lift from their bench outscoring the Patriots’ reserves, 44-29.

The Cards were just as strong defensively holding Arlington Baptist to a 15-of-52 (.288) performance from the field, and a 4-of-15 (.267) mark from three-point range. LU didn’t allow a single Patriot to reach double figures as ABU was held to just 17 points in the first 20 minutes of action.

The Cardinals dominated the glass outrebounding ABU, 56-27, and forced 25 turnovers. Big Red finished the night with a 38-6 advantage on points off turnovers.

LU will now turn its attention to a post-Thanksgiving matchup against UT Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg. The game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m. from Edinburg and will kick start a season-long five-game road swing for the Cardinals.