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.