BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) Nick Garth scored 19 points and Lamar Cardinals solidified its hold on a post-season tournament berth by thumping Incarnate Word Cardinals, 85-62, on Wednesday night, keeping the Cardinals winless in Southland Conference play.

Lamar is now alone in sixth place in the conference standings, with the top eight teams advancing to the Southland Conference tournament in Katy, Texas. The Cardinals sit four games back of a four-team logjam for second place and have a one-game lead on Abilene Christian and Central Arkansas.

Incarnate Word (5-18, 0-13) has lost 15 straight.

Lamar took a 40-29 lead at the break and cruised home.

Josh Nzeakor added 16 points, Zjori Bosha contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds and Colton Weisbrod grabbed 10 boards for Lamar (16-11, 8-6).

Shawn Johnson scored 27 points to lead Incarnate Word, with Charles Brown III adding another 15 points.

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