The third time wasn’t the charm for Lamar, but the fourth was.

Lamar lost overtime contests to East Carolina, Houston Baptist and New Orleans this season, the last two in Southland Conference play. The fourth chance — against Incarnate Word, would not escape Lamar’s Cardinals.

Lamar overcame a buzzer-beating jumper by Christian Peevy at the end of regulation and outscored San Antonio’s Cardinals 13-7 in the extra 5 minutes to come away with an 87-81 victory Wednesday in Beaumont’s Montagne Center. The victory also ended a three-game losing streak for Lamar (9-10, 2-4 Southland).

Josh Nzeakor shot 9 of 11 from the floor and totaled 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the host Cardinals, who led 42-35 at halftime. Jordan Hunter went for 17 points and six assists, Nick Garth 16 points and Michael Kolawole 10 points in the victory.

Lamar led 79-76 in the extra frame but did not make a field goal until Hunter’s jumper and free throw put the host Cards ahead 82-81 with 1:45 left. UIW’s Romello Wilbert was called for a technical foul with 24 seconds left, and Garth sank a free throw to make it 83-81. Following a steal by V.J. Holmes, Garth hit two more, and Kolawole made two of his own to close out the win.

Peevy led the visiting Cardinals with 26 pionts, seven rebounds and four assists. Antoine Smith added 13, Augustine Ene 12, Charles Brown 11 and Dwight Murray 10 in the loss.

Lamar outscored Incarnate Word 36-17 off the bench and had 32 rebounds to UIW’s 29.

Lamar will begin a three-game road swing starting Saturday at Sam Houston State.

— I.C. Murrell