Nov. 18, 2008

BEAUMONT - The Lamar University women's basketball team opens the 2008-09 season with a showdown against the Grambling State Lady Tigers Wednesday night at 7:00 at the Montagne Center.

Lamar and Grambling have played seven times, with the Lady Cardinals holding a 6-1 advantage in the win column. The last time they met was during the 1992-93 season when Lamar won 85-80 to extend their streak to five straight wins over Grambling.

In their lone exhibition contest against the Houston Jaguars fell in double overtime 93-91 at the Montagne Center. Newcomer Darika Hill led the way for the Lady Cardinals, scoring 23 points, grabbing eight rebounds, three assists and four steals. Brittney Williams also had a solid performance, picking up a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Ang Green added 16 points off the bench. Nikki Williams gave LU four player in double digit scoring with 12 points and eight assists.

Grambling returns all five starters and nine letter winners from last year's squad, and they have 10 newcomers to the team as they set out to improve on last season's 2-26 record. The Lady Tigers won their exhibition game against Huston-Tillotson 91-63 last Sunday at Home. Grambling was led by newcomer Secrett Anderson's 13 points while fellow newcomer Krystal Huggins posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Kristen Harper added 10 points followed by nine points and seven boards from Fleming.

After Wednesday's opener against Grambling, the Lady Cardinals will head to Lubbock, Texas for a Friday night showdown with the Texas Tech Lady Raiders.