BEAUMONT, Texas -- Nick Garth nailed two 3-pointers in the closing minutes to give Lamar just enough cushion to hold off Northwestern State 86-82 on Saturday.

Trailing 78-76 at the 3:00 mark, Garth, who finished with 19 points, hit a trey for the lead and later nailed a deep 3-pointer off the glass for an 82-78 advantage with 2:06 left to play.

Northwestern State's Zeek Woodley hit a trey to close to 83-82 with 43 seconds remaining. Lamar's Josh Nzeakor answered with a layup and added a free throw with seven seconds left to seal the win.

Dontavious Sears led Lamar (10-7, 2/3 Southland Conference) with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Nzeakor had 18 points and 15 rebounds, both career highs. Lincoln Davis added 13 points and Kevin Booze dished out 10 assists.

Ta'Jon Welcome had 21 points and Devonte Hall added 15 with seven assists for Northwestern State (3-12, 0-5).