HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — The Lamar Lady Cardinals methodically dispatched the struggling Southeastern Louisiana Lions 57-44 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at University Center.

In a contest defined more by defensive pressure and offensive struggles than fluid scoring, Lamar used a decisive third-quarter push to create separation and never looked back, improving to 13-6 overall. Southeastern Louisiana, led by a game-high 15 points from Lihi Azouri, fell to 2-17.

The most important stretch of the game arrived in the third quarter. Lamar entered halftime with a narrow 22-21 lead after a first half where both teams combined for 23 turnovers. The Lady Cardinals emerged from the break with increased defensive intensity, sparking a critical 11-2 run that spanned the middle of the period.

The surge began with a Jacei Denley three-pointer, assisted by R’Mani Taylor. After Southeastern Louisiana’s Bethany Graves split a pair of free throws, Lamar’s Chisom Oguego connected on a floating jumper. Taliah Hill then created a turnover with a steal, leading to a driving layup from Taylor. On the ensuing possession, Oguego stole the ball again from the Lions’ Natalie Huff, and Taylor was fouled, converting both free throws to cap the run and extend Lamar’s lead to 35-27.

This sequence proved insurmountable for the Lions. While Southeastern Louisiana’s Mia Ramos and Azouri hit three-pointers later in the quarter to keep the margin in single digits, Lamar’s defense consistently generated stops and turnovers, preventing any sustained comeback attempt. The Lady Cardinals outscored the Lions 17-12 in the third to take a 39-33 lead into the final frame.

Lamar’s balance was key, as no player reached double figures but eight contributed to the scoring. Taylor finished with nine points and three assists, while Denley and Solenne Olenga each added eight points. Oguego provided significant energy off the bench with six points and multiple offensive rebounds.

For Southeastern Louisiana, Azouri’s 15 points on 30 minutes were a bright spot, and Aliyah Collins contributed eight points and four assists. However, the Lions were plagued by 30 turnovers, which Lamar converted into 19 points. The Lions also shot just 28.6 percent from the field.

The game started sluggishly for both sides, with the first quarter ending 11-10 in Lamar’s favor after a combined 12 turnovers. The pattern continued in the second, as the teams traded missed shots and giveaways, setting the stage for Lamar’s pivotal third-quarter adjustment.

Lamar’s defense was the consistent thread, holding its opponent under 45 points for the third time this season. The Lady Cardinals have now won four of their last five games.

Southeastern Louisiana, meanwhile, has lost seven straight, a skid that includes several lopsided defeats. Their last win came against Texas A&M-Commerce on Nov. 22.

The announced attendance was 215 at the 7,500-seat University Center.

Lamar next hosts McNeese State on Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana travels to face Stephen F. Austin, also on Saturday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Lamar entered the game with a 78.90 percent probability to win.