NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — Stephen F. Austin dominated from the opening tip, using a stifling defensive performance and a balanced offensive attack to cruise past Arkansas State 90-65 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday night at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The Lumberjacks improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Red Wolves fell to an even 1-1.

Keon Thompson led all scorers with 26 points for Stephen F. Austin, setting the tone early with a pull-up jumper on the game’s first possession. He added seven assists and five rebounds in a comprehensive 31-minute performance. The Lumberjacks’ defense was the story, however, forcing 13 turnovers and blocking eight shots, with Jerald Colonel anchoring the paint. Colonel finished just shy of a triple-double with nine points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.

Stephen F. Austin seized control with a 17-4 run to open the game and never looked back. The Lumberjacks led 46-31 at halftime, capitalizing on a significant disparity in shooting efficiency. They shot 48.6 percent from the floor in the first half while holding Arkansas State to 27.6 percent.

The Red Wolves could never mount a serious challenge in the second half, as the Lumberjacks maintained a lead of at least 15 points throughout. Stephen F. Austin’s offensive efficiency was a key factor, as they scored 90 points on 77 possessions for an offensive rating of 116.8. Arkansas State, by contrast, managed an offensive rating of just 85.9, scoring 65 points on 76 possessions.

The Lumberjacks dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Red Wolves 49-35 and grabbing 16 offensive rebounds to Arkansas State’s seven. Stephen F. Austin also connected on 12 three-pointers, with Thompson and Narit Chotikavanic each hitting three from beyond the arc. Chotikavanic finished with 14 points, and Lateef Patrick Jr. added 17 off the bench.

Arkansas State was led by Joey Chammaa, who scored 17 points. The Red Wolves struggled mightily with their outside shot, making just five of 27 attempts from three-point range. Jalen Hampton added nine points for Arkansas State.

Chrishawn Christmas was a force on the boards for Stephen F. Austin, pulling down 10 rebounds to go with eight points.

An announced crowd of 1,923 watched the Lumberjacks secure the decisive victory. Stephen F. Austin will look to continue its winning ways on the road Tuesday at Rice. Arkansas State, which entered the game as a slight pregame favorite, will try to rebound Tuesday at Missouri State.