COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — In a matchup of Southland Conference teams sharing the Lions nickname, it was the home version from Texas A&M-Commerce that roared with consistency and defensive pressure, cruising to a 70-53 victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Monday afternoon at Texas A&M-Commerce Field House.

The game was effectively decided by a dominant first-half performance from the home Lions, who established a 35-20 lead at the break and never saw their advantage dip below double digits in the second half. Texas A&M-Commerce scored 35 points in each period, showcasing a steady offensive output that Southeastern Louisiana could not match.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as Texas A&M-Commerce capitalized on Southeastern Louisiana’s offensive struggles to build an insurmountable lead. After Southeastern Louisiana’s Isaiah Gaines opened the scoring with a layup, Texas A&M-Commerce responded with a 12-2 run, fueled by interior scoring and forced turnovers. Southeastern Louisiana shot a frigid 29.3% from the field for the game, including just 17 made baskets on 58 attempts. That inefficiency, combined with 10 turnovers that Texas A&M-Commerce converted into 15 points, allowed the home team to seize control.

Texas A&M-Commerce’s offense was far more efficient, shooting 51% from the floor. They dominated points in the paint, outscoring Southeastern Louisiana 36-18, and also held a 13-3 advantage in fastbreak points. The home Lions also won the battle on the glass, out-rebounding Southeastern Louisiana 42-35.

Noah Pagotto led Texas A&M-Commerce with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 34 minutes. He was complemented by a balanced scoring attack. Gianni Hunt added 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. Ronnie Harrison scored 14 points and secured seven rebounds, while Damian Garcia and Tay Mosher each chipped in 14 points. Josh Taylor provided a defensive presence with two blocks.

For Southeastern Louisiana, which fell to 8-19 overall, Jalen Forrest led the way with 13 points. Jeremy Elyzee added 11 points, and Isaiah Gaines posted seven points and 10 rebounds. The visiting Lions, who now sit at 8-19, were unable to build on a recent stretch that had seen them win three of their previous five games.

Texas A&M-Commerce improved to 11-17 with the victory. The win also completed a regular-season sweep for the home Lions, who edged Southeastern Louisiana 70-69 in Hammond, Louisiana, back on Dec. 15.

The game drew an announced crowd of 333. Both teams continue Southland Conference play on Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana will host Texas-Rio Grande Valley, while Texas A&M-Commerce will welcome Incarnate Word.