Garth saves Lamar's 1,000th program win, topping Sam Houston

BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) Nick Garth scored 21 points, seven in the final 30 seconds, and Lamar held on to hand Sam Houston State its first loss in Southland Conference play, 75-72 on Saturday, the 1,000th win in Lamar history.

Garth's 3-pointer gave the Cardinals (14-12, 7-6), who led by 15 at halftime, a 71-67 lead with 29 seconds to play. A second after the Bearkats (17-9, 12-1) made two free throws, Garth made two for a 73-69 lead with 11 seconds remaining.

Albert Almanza nailed a 3 for SHSU with three seconds to go but Garth, who went 9 for 9 from the line, wrapped it up with a pair with two seconds left.

Davion Buster had 16 points and Christian Barrett had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Cardinals, who went 30 of 38 from the foul line.

Kai Mitchell led Sam Houston, which shot 25 percent in the first half and 58 percent in the second, with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Cameron Delaney added 13 points for the Bearkats, who were 11 of 16 from the line.