Nzeakor scores 25 to carry Lamar over Houston Baptist 81-79

KATY, Texas (AP) — Josh Nzeakor had 25 points and 13 rebounds as Lamar narrowly defeated Houston Baptist 81-79 in the first round of the Southland Conference Tourney on Wednesday.

Jordan Hunter had 18 points for Lamar (20-12). Edwin Jeudy added 10 points and eight rebounds. Nick Garth had 10 points and six assists for Lamar.

Nzeakor converted a 3-point play with 3.3 seconds left, breaking a tie at 77.

Jalon Gates had 19 points for the Huskies (12-18). Edward Hardt added 16 points. Oliver Lynch-Daniels had 10 points.

Ian DuBose, the Huskies' leading scorer entering the contest at 17 points per game, failed to make a shot from the floor (0 of 7).