Preview: Texas A&M-Commerce at Lamar

BEAUMONT, Texas (Interstat) — The Lamar Cardinals will look to complete a regular-season sweep when they host the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday night at the Montagne Center.

The Cardinals (10-10) edged the Lions (8-12) 69-62 in Commerce on Dec. 31 in the first meeting this season. Lamar’s Braden East was pivotal in that win, posting 9 points and 9 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench.

East, a forward, enters this rematch in strong form. He is coming off a dominant 15-point, 13-rebound, 4-assist, 3-block performance in an 88-81 loss to Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 24. In his last five games, East has averaged 16.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, providing a consistent interior presence for Lamar.

Texas A&M-Commerce aims to snap a two-game road skid and avenge the December loss. The Lions are led by guard Gianni Hunt, who is averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists over his last seven contests. Hunt orchestrated an 80-58 road rout of Incarnate Word on Jan. 19, scoring 15 points and dishing 7 assists. Teammates Damian Garcia (17 points) and Noah Pagotto (16 points) also starred in that victory, showcasing the Lions’ potential when multiple scorers click.

Both teams are seeking consistency in conference play. Lamar has alternated wins and losses over its past six games. Texas A&M-Commerce has shown flashes, like the win at Incarnate Word, but has struggled to string victories together, going 2-5 in its last seven.

The matchup hinges on Lamar’s ability to control the paint through East against a Lions team that relies heavily on Hunt’s playmaking. If the Cardinals contain Hunt and win the rebounding battle, they will be favored at home. However, if Hunt penetrates effectively and finds open shooters, the Lions have proven they can win on the road.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Tuesday.