Lamar starts fast, beats McNeese State 87-76

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) Marcus Owens nailed five treys for a career-high 21 points as Lamar got off to a fast start and coasted to an 87-76 win over McNeese State on Saturday night to stop an eight-game skid.

Lamar (11-15, 3-11 Southland Conference) sprinted to a 50-31 halftime advantage. McNeese State closed to 69-64 with 6:16 left but Nick Garth drilled a 3-point jumper to start a 10-5 run for a 79-69 lead with 2:35 remaining.

Lamar hit 52 percent from the floor, making 10 of 19 from long range, while limiting the Cowboys to 25-of-56 shooting.

Dorian Chatman and Kevin Booze had 13 apiece for Lamar. Chatman also had six rebounds and Booze dished out five assists.

Jamaya Burr had 20 points to lead McNeese State (6-18, 4-10), which has dropped six of its last seven games. James Harvey added 14 points and Austin Lewis chipped in 10.