NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — Stephen F. Austin held off a late push from Nicholls State for an 81-78 men’s basketball victory Saturday at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The Lumberjacks led 39-34 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. Zee Hamoda led all scorers with 24 points for the Colonels. Stephen F. Austin’s Lateef Patrick scored 20 points and Keon Thompson added 16 points and nine assists.

Nicholls State shot 50% from the field and 50% from 3-point range but was out-rebounded 8-3 on the offensive glass. Stephen F. Austin improved to 25-3 overall, while Nicholls State fell to 11-17. Attendance was 4,212.