SAN ANTONIO- For only the third time in school history, the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team secured their second on the road conference win in a 70-64 victory against Lamar University on Saturday night. The only other times the team has won two conference games in a row on the road was during the 2020-21 season and the 2015-16 season.  

The freshman from Baltimore, Davante Dennis, led the way for the Cardinals with 21 points, five steals, four rebounds, and two blocks. Jonathan Cisse added 19 points and two assists while Stephon Payne III added 12 points and six rebounds. UIW shot 41 percent from the field and a crucial 65 percent from the free throw line. The name of the game was points in the paint as the Cardinals won on a 40-34 point deficit. In addition, the Cardinals capitalized on the 21 turnovers the Lamar offense suffered. Out of the 21, 18 of them were steals. This accomplishment is the most UIW has recorded since their move to Division I in 2013.  

UIW started out hot as they took an early lead over Lamar in the first few minutes of the game. To make it 6-4, Cisse took off on an explosive layup to foreshadow what would be a dominant start to the half. Shortly after, Benjamin Griscti joined the club with a three ball down the side to extend the lead 11-7. As Lamar forced more offensive pressure, Payne III helped the Cardinal's regain control with a fast break dunk assisted by Dennis. The Beaumont Cardinals were forced to turn to other ways of regaining the ball and had UIW enter the double bonus with five minutes left to go in the first half. To close out, the Cardinals held a 10-point lead. 

UIW remained consistent throughout the first minutes of the second half. The Beaumont Cardinals began slowly inching up to close the gap but another dunk by Payne III held off the energized Lamar team for a couple of more minutes.  

The end of the game came closer and the feud between the birds became chippy. Lamar came within three and the Cardinals needed an answer back. Though, the UIW scoring drought allowed Lamar to tie up the game at 62. Dennis stepped up big to get the Cardinals the momentum back with an and one to give the Cardinals the lead for the rest of the game. The Beaumont Cardinals tried to edge their way back but the Cardinals sealed the deal at the free throw line for their last points of the game. 

The Cardinals return to the McDermott Center Thursday night, Jan. 26, as they face the Cowboys from McNeese University at 7:30 p.m.  

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--UIW CARDINALS--