BEAUMONT, Texas (Interstat) — A Southland Conference clash with contrasting early-season momentum is set for Saturday when the Lamar Cardinals host the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders at the Montagne Center. Lamar (5-2) enters the contest riding a two-game winning streak following a 65-55 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday. The Cardinals have found success with balanced scoring, as evidenced by Braden East’s 24-point outburst in that win. Guard Cody Pennebaker has been a steadying force, averaging 8.1 points and 2.7 assists while playing key minutes. Lamar’s losses have come against power conference opponent TCU and a solid Oakland squad. Conversely, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2-5) seeks to steady itself after a difficult stretch featuring four straight losses, all on the road. The most recent was an 88-67 defeat at Xavier on Nov. 28. The Islanders’ two wins have come convincingly against non-Division I opponents Howard Payne and Trinity. Their challenging early schedule has included road games at Kansas and Oklahoma State. A key matchup will feature the backcourt, where the Islanders’ DA Houston looks to spark his team. Houston is coming off a 13-point, 3-assist performance at Xavier and has shown flashes of high-level playmaking, dishing nine assists in the win over Howard Payne. He will be countered by Lamar’s Pennebaker, a consistent two-way contributor. The game marks the conference opener for both teams, setting an early tone for the Southland race. Lamar will aim to protect its home court and build on its strong start, while the Islanders are desperate for a signature win to reverse their trajectory before a forgiving homestand later in December. Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST at the Montagne Center. Lamar hits the road next to face San Diego State on Dec. 10, while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi returns home to host Dallas Christian on Dec. 12.