BEAUMONT, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive execution and a pivotal second-half surge, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks held off a persistent Lamar Cardinals squad for an 88-81 victory in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday afternoon at Montagne Center.

The Lumberjacks, who led by just two points at halftime, used a blistering shooting performance from beyond the arc to improve to 17-3 overall. Lamar, which battled inside but could not match the visitors’ perimeter efficiency, fell to 10-10.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded late in the second half with Stephen F. Austin protecting a narrow lead. Leading 71-69 with under six minutes to play, the Lumberjacks’ Keon Thompson found Narit Chotikavanic for a clutch three-pointer to extend the advantage to five. After a Lamar miss, Thompson then converted a driving layup while being fouled, completing a three-point play that pushed the lead to 77-69 with 5:18 remaining. That quick six-point burst provided the necessary cushion the Lumberjacks would rely on down the stretch as Lamar could not draw closer than five points the rest of the way.

Stephen F. Austin’s offense was a model of efficiency, fueled by precision from three-point range. The Lumberjacks shot 48.1% on 27 attempts from deep, a stark contrast to Lamar’s 38.5%. That outside shooting compensated for Lamar’s dominance in the paint, where the Cardinals outscored Stephen F. Austin 30-18.

Keon Thompson led all scorers with 26 points, adding six rebounds and five assists for Stephen F. Austin. His backcourt mate, Lateef Patrick, contributed 23 points, including five three-pointers. The duo combined for 49 points, consistently answering Lamar rallies with timely baskets.

For the Cardinals, the interior duo of Braden East and Andrew Holifield kept the home team in contention. East recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, along with four assists and three blocks. Holifield, a hometown product from Beaumont, also scored 15 points and dished out four assists. Rob Lee added 19 points for Lamar.

Despite the loss, Lamar won several statistical battles, out-rebounding Stephen F. Austin and committing fewer fouls. However, the Cardinals were undone by 11 turnovers, which the Lumberjacks converted into 12 points, and a significant disparity in assists, with Stephen F. Austin tallying seven to Lamar’s three.

The game began at a frantic pace, with Stephen F. Austin hitting three early three-pointers to build a quick lead. Lamar responded with physical play inside, primarily through East, to stay within striking distance. The first half featured eight ties and five lead changes, with the Lumberjacks taking a slim 43-41 edge into the break after Lamar’s Eian Lowe beat the halftime buzzer with a three-pointer.

The second half continued in a similar back-and-forth fashion until Stephen F. Austin’s decisive run. The Lumberjacks’ ability to value possessions, evidenced by only six turnovers, and their sustained hot shooting ultimately proved the difference.

A crowd of 1,498 watched the contest. Stephen F. Austin will look to continue its strong season when it hosts Northwestern State on Monday. Lamar will also return to action Monday, hosting Texas A&M-Commerce.