Garth has 17, Lamar defeats SE Louisiana 77-65 in Southland

Mar 9, 2017, 04:13 am

KATY, Texas -- Nick Garth scored 17 points and sixth-seeded Lamar scored its last 11 points from the foul line and defeated seventh-seeded Southeastern Louisiana 77-65 in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament on Wednesday night.

Marcus Owens added 12 points and Torey Noel 11 for the Cardinals (19-13), who will play third-seeded Stephen F. Austin, the defending champion, in the second round on Thursday.

Garth had a free throw and a 3-pointer and Owens followed with a pair of free throws as Lamar stretched its lead to 64-54 with 5:10 remaining. After Dorian Chatman's basket with 4:34 to play restored the 10-point lead the free throw parade started.

Lamar made 11 of 12 down the stretch, 17 of 20 in the second half and 25 of 30 for the game, to go with 48 percent shooting from the field.

Marlain Veal had 16 points for the Lions (16-16) and Dimi Cook had 13.