Dec. 14, 2014 BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar men's basketball team will be playing its first game in the Montagne Center in a month Monday night when it faces Champion Baptist, and the Cardinals are trying to make that game count for more than just the record. Obviously, winning is the sought-after goal in any competition, but this week Lamar would also like to brighten the holidays for local area children. The Cardinals are doing that by giving free admission to all fans who bring a new, unopened toy to Monday's game against the Tigers. Lamar will also be holding the same promotion for Friday's game against Milligan College.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.LamarCardinals.com. Tickets are also available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays at the Montagne Center ticket office, or by calling (409) 880-1715. Lamar students receive free admission with a valid ID.

Monday night's game will be just the team's second of the season, and its first since a Nov. 16 victory over LSU-Alexandria. The Cardinals enter the game against Champion Baptist with a 2-6 (.250) overall record and coming off a six-point setback at Texas-Pan American. The game against the Broncs saw Lamar trail by double digits in each half only to watch the Cards rally both times but LU was unable to get over the hump to close out the season-long six-game road swing.

Monday's game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m.

-LAMAR-