HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — Southeastern Louisiana used a strong first half to defeat Incarnate Word 74-62 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday night at University Center.

The Lions built a 40-26 halftime lead and withstood a higher-scoring second half from the Cardinals to secure the conference victory. The win improved Southeastern Louisiana to 8-17 this season, while Incarnate Word fell to 10-15.

An announced crowd of 439 saw the game. Southeastern Louisiana was a pregame favorite and the total score went over the projected over/under line. The Lions avenged a 79-70 loss to the Cardinals from Dec. 30.