HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — In Lamar’s first game since coach Pat Knight’s blistering comments about his team, Mike James scored 30 points to lead the Cardinals to a 72-49 victory over Sam Houston State on Saturday.
Lamar (18-11, 9-5 Southland Conference) shot 63.3 percent (19 of 30) in the second half to break open a contest that was tied 28-28 at the break.
James and two other seniors, part of a six-player class that Knight called “the worst group of seniors … that I’ve ever been associated with” after a loss against Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday, sparked Lamar. Devon Lamb had 15 points and Anthony Miles added 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Darius Gatson scored 13 points for the Bearkats (12-17, 6-8), who were 8 of 24 (33.3 percent) from the field after halftime, including 0 for 5 from 3-point range.
The Cardinals outrebounded Sam Houston State 36-23 and enjoyed a 36-28 scoring advantage in the paint.
