In an exhilarating semifinal matchup of the Southland Conference Tournament, Lamar emerged victorious over Nicholls State with a close 58-55 win Tuesday night in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This victory allows Lamar to advance to the championship game where they will face top-seeded McNeese on Wednesday, marking a pivotal point in the tournament for the second-seeded Cardinals.
Alexis Marmolejos played a crucial role in securing the win for Lamar, scoring 17 points and adding pressure on defense with five steals. His teammate, Adam Hamilton, delivered the decisive play with a layup in the game’s final moments, putting Lamar ahead for good with just 44 seconds remaining.
Supporting the effort, Danquez Dawsey contributed 11 points, showcasing his efficiency by shooting 3 for 7 overall and successfully hitting all four of his free-throw attempts. Their collective efforts within Lamar’s lineup helped overcome Nicholls State’s strong challenge.
The Colonels, who conclude their season with a 20-13 record, were powered by Robert Brown III, who tallied 17 points along with six rebounds and two steals. Jaylen Searles added to Nicholls State’s offensive efforts with 14 points and three steals, but it proved insufficient in the final accounting.
During the first half, Marmolejos scored seven points, yet Lamar found themselves trailing 33-28 at halftime. However, Marmolejos stepped up in the second half with an additional 10 points, energizing the Cardinals to recover and ultimately clinch the game.
