Feb. 8, 2008

HAMMOND, La. - The Lamar University women's basketball team looks to improve to 7-1 in Southland Conference play, as the return to the road for the first time in nearly a month when they take on the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions Saturday afternoon at the University Center.

At 6-1 in Southland Conference play the Lady Cardinals sit atop the East division and are in a tie for the top spot in the conference, with just one loss with UTSA, UT-Arlington and Texas State.

The Lady Cardinals enter the game with a 13-7 overall record and a 6-1 record in Southland Conference play, on the heels of an 80-55 win over Nicholls State on Thursday at the Montagne Center.

Lamar is led in scoring by freshman Tamara Abalde, who is averaging team highs with 17.2 points per game along with 7.6 rebounds per game, while junior Nikki Williams is averaging 13.7 points per game and has a team-high 84 assists and 50 steals. Sophomore Brittney Williams is averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while senior Aida Bakhos is averaging 7.5 points 7.4 rebounds per game.

As a team the Lady Cardinals are shooting .408 from the field and are averaging 66.4 points per game while allowing 63.3 points per game. Lamar has also controlled the boards this season, out rebounding their opponents 39.2 to 36.8.

Southeastern enters the game with an 8-13 season record and a 2-6 mark in SLC play, on the heels of a 72-58 win over McNeese State in Lake Charles on Thursday night.

The Lady Colonels are led by Kristy Carlin's 13.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while Brooke Necaise is averaging 10.1 points per game.

As a team SELA is averaging 63 points per game, while allowing their opponents to score 65.6 points per contest. They are shooting .394 from the field, while their opponents are connecting on .402 of their shots

After Saturday's game the Lady Cards will be back in action again on Thursday night in Arlington, Texas when they take on UTA.