Mike James scored 30 points, going 12-of-20 from the field to lead Lamar to a 72-49 Southland Conference men's basketball victory over Sam Houston Saturday night at Johnson Coliseum.  

Lamar (18-11, 9-5) outscored the Bearkats 44-21 in the second half after the two were tied 28-28 at halftime. Devon Lamb and Anthony Miles added 15 and 14 points respectively for the Cardinals.  

Sam Houston (12-17, 6-8) was led by Darius Gatson with 13 points.   Lamar out-rebounded the Bearkats 36-23 with Miles leading the Cards with eight boards. Lamar outscored Sam Houston 36-28 in the paint.

Steven Werner added nine points for the Bearkats and Demarcus Gatlin and Marcus James each had eight.

The game was tied six times in the first half with three lead changes. Sam Houston led by as many as eight points early in the game.

Sam Houston State will play host to Stephen F. Austin Wednesday at 7 p.m.