BEAUMONT, Texas -- Freshman Dorian Chatman scored a career-best 23 points -- making a perfect 12-for-12 at the foul line -- and Lamar defeated Division III Howard Payne 97-74 on Tuesday night for its third straight win and sixth in the last seven games.

Dontavious Sears added 12 points for the Cardinals (8-4), LeMon Gregory and Kevin Booze added 11 each.

Lamar shot out to a 14-2 lead as Howard Payne (2-9) missed four of its first five shots while committing five turnovers.

Both teams went deep into their benches, Lamar playing 13 in its final nonconference game. Howard Payne played 15 in its exhibition.

Rickey Guillory scored 18 points and Bryan Adams 16 for the Yellow Jackets.

The Cardinals shot 48 percent (33-69) and made 14 steals and 10 blocked shots while Howard Payne had 21 turnovers.

Lamar opens Southland Conference play on Saturday.