FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and crucial free throw shooting, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks held off a second-half surge from the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks to secure a 79-72 victory on Wednesday night at Walkup Skydome.

Northern Arizona improved its season record to 4-2, while Southeast Missouri State fell to 2-5.

The Lumberjacks built a 10-point halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half, largely on the strength of a superior shooting performance and a significant advantage at the free throw line. Northern Arizona shot 52.8 percent from the floor and converted 18 of 25 free throws. In contrast, the Redhawks, despite attempting 15 more field goals, shot 44.1 percent and struggled mightily at the line, making only 7 of 13 attempts.

Ryan Abelman was the catalyst for the Lumberjacks, leading all scorers with 20 points. His backcourt mate, Kavon Bradford, added 12 points and a team-high four assists. The Northern Arizona frontcourt also delivered efficient performances, with Zack Davidson scoring 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting and Traivar Jackson adding 14 points in just 18 minutes off the bench.

The Redhawks were led by Braxton Stacker with 15 points and Brendan Terry with 14 points and three assists. Southeast Missouri State dominated points in the paint, 48-38, but could not overcome a cold shooting night from beyond the arc, making only 5 of 24 three-point attempts.

Northern Arizona established its lead in the first half, using a 9-0 run to turn a narrow 6-3 advantage into a 15-3 lead. The run was fueled by a three-pointer from Arne Osojnik and capped by a hook shot from Davidson. The Lumberjacks maintained their composure as the Redhawks chipped away, taking a 39-29 lead into the break after a late hook shot by Karl Poom.

Southeast Missouri State came out aggressively in the second half, cutting the deficit to six points on multiple occasions. A three-pointer from Stacker with 18:37 remaining made it 41-35, and a driving layup from David Idada kept the margin at six just over a minute later.

Each time the Redhawks threatened, Northern Arizona had an answer. When Southeast Missouri State pulled within 56-50, Abelman responded with a pull-up jump shot. When the lead was trimmed to 65-62, Davidson converted a layup and a subsequent free throw to push the advantage back to six.

The Redhawks made their final push in the closing minutes. A steal and dunk by Stacker cut the Lumberjacks’ lead to 67-65 with 4:38 to play. However, Jackson answered immediately with a tip-in dunk. After a technical foul on the Southeast Missouri State bench, Abelman and Isaiah Shaw combined to make three of four free throws, extending the lead to 72-67 and effectively sealing the game.

Jackson provided the final exclamation point, throwing down a dunk with 10 seconds remaining off an assist from Bradford to set the final margin.

The game was a tale of two different offensive philosophies. Northern Arizona operated with high efficiency, scoring 79 points on just 71 possessions for an offensive rating of 111.5. Southeast Missouri State was less effective with its opportunities, scoring 72 points on 73 possessions for an offensive rating of 98.4. The Lumberjacks also capitalized on their chances in transition, outscoring the Redhawks 12-7 in fastbreak points.

The announced attendance was 231. Southeast Missouri State continues its road trip at Lipscomb on Saturday. Northern Arizona returns to action at home against South Dakota State on Dec. 3.