Stephen F. Austin beats Sam Houston St. 79-68

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) Thomas Walkup scored 17 and Clide Geffrard added a career-high 15 points to help Stephen F. Austin beat Sam Houston State 79-68 on Saturday and take over sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference.

Ty Charles had 16 points and Jacob Parker 13 for the Lumberjacks (16-3, 6-0), who have won 15 in a row after starting the season 1-3.

Stephen F. Austin jumped out to a 22-3 lead as Sam Houston State (14-5, 6-1) missed its first nine field goal attempts and committed six turnovers in the first 9 minutes.

Ty Charles scored 10 during an 18-6 run which gave Stephen F. Austin its biggest lead, 60-38, and was capped by Jacob Parker's 3-pointer with 12:55 left.

DeMarcus Gatlin led Sam Houston State, which had its nine-game win streak snapped, with 15 points.

Stephen F. Austin shot 56 percent, and held the Bearkats to 8-of-21 shooting, in the first half and led 39-29 at the break.