Atwood carries Lamar over SE Louisiana 79-73 in OT
BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) — T.J. Atwood had a career-high 34 points plus 10 rebounds as Lamar defeated Southeastern Louisiana 79-73 in overtime on Wednesday night.
Atwood’s 3-pointer with 1:10 to play in regulation gave the Cardinals (7-5, 1-0 Southland Conference) a 69-68 edge. SE Louisiana’s Pape Diop drew a foul with 14 seconds left and made the first of two free throws, tying the game 69-all and sending it into overtime.
The Cardinals led throughout the extra period.
V.J. Holmes had 11 points and six rebounds for Lamar which earned its sixth consecutive home victory. Avery Sullivan added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ellis Jefferson had six assists for the home team.
Davion Buster, whose 15 points per game entering the matchup was second on the Cardinals, was held to only 5 points (2 of 12).
Byron Smith had 18 points for the Lions (3-7, 0-1). LaQuan Butler added 17 points. Diop had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Lamar plays Northwestern State on the road on Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana plays Mississippi on Saturday.
