HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana won its third-consecutive home game Saturday, knocking off Abilene Christian, 81-60, in Southland Conference play at the University Center.

"We've seen this coming, the improvement this team is making," head coach Jay Ladner said. "We had to learn how to win. Winning, and consistent winning, is a process. There's a responsibility that goes with maintaining that. It can't just be one or two games."

Southeastern (5-17, 3-6 Southland) used a balanced attack to jump out to a 10-point lead at halftime, 36-26, over the Wildcats (10-13, 5-5 Southland). Seven of eight players scored at least four points and Hammond native Zay Jackson led the Lions with seven.

Niether team led by more than a basket until Jordan Capps' free throw attempt at the 12:12 mark put Southeastern up by four, 19-15.

After Jaylen Franklin pulled ACU back within a bucket 20 seconds later, the Lions quickly put some distance between the two squads on the scoreboard.

Dimi Cook sank a 3-pointer (11:42) and Dominic Nelson nailed a jumper (9:05) for a 7-point advantage, 24-17.

Southeastern opened the second half on a 13-4 run, going up 49-30 on Jackson's layup exactly four minutes in.

ACU cut its deficit back to eight, 49-41, on Franklin's layup at the 12:23 mark, but the Lions quickly extended its advantage back to double digits.

Capps turned in his second double-double in as many games, scoring 13 points and grabbing the same number of rebounds. Jackson also scored 13 for the Lions and handed out nine assists.

Greenwood led Southeastern with 14 points and also grabbed nine boards. JaMichael Hawkins chipped in 12, all in the second half, and Marlain Veal added 11 points to the Lions' offensive efforts.

Southeastern shot 57.7 percent (30-of-52) from the floor, including 37.5 percent (6-of-16) from 3-point range. The Lions converted 15-of-18 (83.3 percent) from the free throw line and out-rebounded ACU, 32-27.

Franklin led all players with 20 points and Duran Porter chipped in 10 more for the Wildcats. Franklin also grabbed a team-high five boards.

ACU shot 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the floor, including 43.8 percent (7-of-16) from 3-point range. The Wildcats converted 9-of-16 (56.3 percent) from the free throw line.

The Lions travel next to Conway, Arkansas, for Tuesday's 7 p.m. game at Central Arkansas (4-15, 3-6 Southland). Last season the teams split a 2-game series with each squad winning their respective home game.

The Southeastern Sports Radio Network broadcast, with Lance Pittman on the call, can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 FM, online at www.LionSports.net or via the TuneIn Radio app. Fans can also follow live statistics. Links for audio, video and stats are available on both the front page and basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.