Georgia Tech hosts the Cardinals, which become the fourth Southland Conference squad Tech has faced in program history. Against Southland teams, the Jackets are 3-0 all-time. The Jackets and the Cardinals suit up for a first-ever meeting between programs. This is the second in a series of previews of the Yellow Jackets’ non-conference opponents.
- Location: Beaumont, Texas
- Conference: Southland Conference
- Home arena: Montagne Center (10,080)
- 2017-18 Record: 19-14, 11-7 in Southland Conference (5th)
- Postseason: Lost to UTSA in the opening round of the CIT, 76-69
- NCAA postseason appearances (last): 6 (2012)
- All-time series record: 0-0
- Head coach: Tic Price (Fifth season)
- Starters returning/lost: 3/5
- Top scorer returning: Nick Garth (13.6)
- Top rebounder returning: Josh Nzeakor (7.5)
Quick preview for 2018-19
Entering his fifth season at the helm, Tic Price searches to rebuild his squad after losing five starters. Lamar’s 2018-19 roster features a total of eight newcomers, including a number of transfers that sat out last season. Price boasts about junior college standout Edwin Jeudy, who joins the Cards as a player that can stretch the four, which is the main goal for Lamar this season. Among Lamar’s starters, Josh Nzeakor returns to the Cards’ lineup as their leading rebounder, averaging 7.5 boards per game last season. Nick Garth will also serve as a key contributor for the Cards as the up and coming senior averaged 13.6 points per game last year.
Quick recap of 2017-18
Lamar tipped off its season winning eight out of its first 10 non-conference games, defeating opponents such as Coastal Carolina and Tulsa. Heading into league play, Lamar remained consistent. The Big Red successfully swept conference foe Stephen F. Austin last year for the first time since the 2001-02 season, which also snapped a losing streak against the Lumberjacks dating back to 2012. The Cardinals went 11-7 in Southland play, finishing fifth and 19-14 overall.
In the Southland Tournament Lamar faced off against Central Arkansas in the first round, falling 67-57. The Cards then qualified for the CIT, where they clashed with UTSA in the first round, but ultimately lost 76-69 ending their season.
Greatest Program Accomplishment
The Cardinals have appeared in six NCAA Tournaments, advancing as far as the Sweet Sixteen in 1980. As a No. 10 seed in the tournament, Lamar defeated Weber State and upset No. 2 Oregon State in the second round. The Cards’ run came to a halt against No. 6 Clemson, falling 74-66.
Greatest player in program history
Inducted into Lamar University’s Hall of Fame in 1998, Tom Sewell was a standout basketball player for the Cardinals from 1981-84. Sewell ranks fifth on the program’s all-time scoring list with 1,496 points in his career in just 89 games. He was also named the 1984 Southland Conference Player of the Year after leading the Cards to a 26-5 record and an 11-1 mark in league play. Sewell averaged 22.9 ppg his senior season for a total of 710 points, which was the second-most points scored in an LU season and the most points scored by a senior. He was the first Lamar player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft as the 22nd pick to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Place to visit on campus or in the city
Lamar University is a short drive from many outdoor adventures – a day at the beach, canoeing or fishing on area rivers and lakes, or hiking in the Big Thicket National Preserve. Beaumont is home to where oil was first produced in America, also known as Spindletop Hill oilfield. In 1901, oil ushered from the ground, something the world had never seen before and sparked a frenzy. Today, Spindletop is a museum located over one mile from Lamar’s campus where visitors can learn how the gusher forever changed the economy of Texas.
