MONROE, La. (AP) Michael Ertel nailed five from long distance to total 21 points as Louisiana-Monroe ran out to an early lead and held off Stephen F. Austin 74-58 on Saturday.

Louisiana-Monroe (5-4) won back-to-back games for the first time since opening the season with two straight victories. The Warhawks beat Grambling 72-67 on Tuesday.

JD Williams had 19 points with nine rebounds and Daishon Smith posted 14 points while dishing out a career-best seven assists. The senior tied his record with six assists in the first half.