Mike James and Brandon Davis combined for 52 points to boost Lamar over Texas State 113-102 on Wednesday night.
James led the Cardinals (13-16, 7-8 Southland) with a game-high 30 points while Davis added 22.
Lamar was up 54-46 at halftime and pulled ahead by as many as 25 points early in the second half.
It almost didn't stick. The Bobcats (15-14, 10-5) rallied to make it 101-97 with 2:08 left.
But James hit a jumper and two free throws and Anthony Miles added four from the line to help the Cardinals keep the edge. Miles finished with 16 points.
Tony Bishop led Texas State with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Ryan White and Matt Staff each scored 16 points and Cameron Johnson added 12 for the Bobcats.
Kendrick Harris snagged a double-double for the Cardinals with 13 points and 12 assists.
