It will be a battle between Southland opponents when the Lamar Cardinals (10-11) welcome the Sam Houston State Bearkats (11-11) to Montagne Center. The game gets underway at 8:00 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 1 and will air on ES3.
The Cardinals lost to Abilene Christian 80-71 on Saturday. Dorian Chatman was the team’s high scorer, finishing with 24 points. The Bearkats, meanwhile, are coming off a tough 70-69 loss to Houston Baptist on Saturday. Jamal Williams accumulated 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. Lamar is among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 25th in OR% at 37.0%. Meanwhile, Sam Houston State ranks second in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a DR% of 78.4%.
Notes
The Lamar Cardinals average 73.9 possessions per game and 1.042 points per possession, while the Sam Houston State Bearkats earn fewer possessions (70.4) but more points per possession (1.059).
The Lamar Cardinals average an effective field goal percentage of 47.6% this season. The Sam Houston State Bearkats have a poor record of 4-10 when opponents have an eFG% of 47.6% or greater.
Sam Houston State ranks 32nd in assists, recording 16.4 per game. Lamar performs worse at 116th with 14.3 assists per game.
Lamar, the 74th-ranked team in blocked shots, records an average of 4.4 per game. Sam Houston State does worse, ranked 339th with 1.7.
Lamar is one of the best teams in the country when it comes to offensive rebounds, ranking sixth. Sam Houston State ranks 100th in defensive rebounds.
The Lamar Cardinals average 7.3 steals per game. When giving up 7 or more steals, the Sam Houston State Bearkats have an abysmal record (2-6) this season.
