Lamar has lost seven straight games, but one of the Cardinals’ seven conference wins came over Houston Christian, 64-56. Lamar is the better defensive and rebounding team. Back Lamar to snap its skid.

Teams that play close games hit that eventual wall. Before Saturday’s loss to Stephen F Austin, Houston Christian had won three out of four games. They were also involved in five games decided by four points or less in their prior eight contests. That wears on a team, and I expect that to be a factor against a Lamar team needing a win to gain confidence before Southland Conference tournament play. They’ve lost seven straight games, but did beat Houston Christian at home by eight points in January.