COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — Tahj Staveskie scored 33 points and Incarnate Word rode a blistering first-half shooting performance to an 82-73 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Texas A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Cardinals avenged a 22-point loss to the Lions from just over a month ago by building a lead they would never relinquish with a near-perfect offensive display in the opening period. Incarnate Word shot 50% from the field in the first half, including 8 of 15 from 3-point range, and made all eight of its free throws to take a 43-39 lead into halftime.

Staveskie, a 6-foot guard from Sandusky, Ohio, was the catalyst, scoring 19 of his points before the break. He finished the game shooting 10 of 19 from the field and a perfect 9 for 9 from the free-throw line, adding five assists in 38 minutes. His performance snapped a three-game losing streak for the Cardinals and marked a season-high in scoring, surpassing his previous best of 16 points.

The most important stretch of the game came early in the second half as Incarnate Word withstood every push from the home team. Texas A&M-Commerce, led by Noah Pagotto’s 26 points and 18 from Ronnie Harrison, cut the deficit to 50-48 with 15:59 remaining after a Pagotto dunk. The Cardinals responded immediately with a 3-pointer from Love Bettis. When the Lions again closed to within 59-58 on a Vinny Sigona 3-pointer with 9:11 left, Staveskie answered with two free throws to spark a critical 7-0 run that gave Incarnate Word a 66-58 cushion with 7:13 to play.

Texas A&M-Commerce never got closer than five points the rest of the way. The Lions had several opportunities in the final minutes but missed five consecutive field goal attempts and two free throws during a crucial stretch after trailing 71-68. Incarnate Word sealed the game at the foul line, making 11 of 12 free throws in the second half and 15 of 16 for the game.

While Staveskie starred, he received key support from Davion Bailey, who scored 18 points, and Harold Woods, who added 14 points and played all 40 minutes. Bettis contributed eight points and three assists.

The Cardinals won despite being outscored 34-22 in the paint and committing an equal number of turnovers, six apiece. The difference was shooting efficiency. Incarnate Word finished 27 of 52 from the field (51.9%) and 13 of 26 from 3-point range. Texas A&M-Commerce shot 29 of 59 (49.2%) but was just 10 of 28 from beyond the arc. The Lions also attempted only eight free throws, making five.

Sigona scored 15 points for Texas A&M-Commerce, and Gianni Hunt dished out a game-high six assists.

The victory improved Incarnate Word to 11-17 overall. Texas A&M-Commerce fell to 11-18. Both teams have three games remaining in the regular season. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Lions had been projected with a 68.5% probability to win.

Incarnate Word travels to face Northwestern State on Monday. Texas A&M-Commerce hosts Houston Christian, also on Monday.