WICHITA- The Wichita State men's basketball team held off a late rally to move to 5-5 on the season with a 58-53 win over Northern Arizona (3-7) in a rematch of last season's BracketBuster matchup.

Ramon Clemente led the Shockers, posting his fourth double-double of the season with a season-high 12 points and 12 rebounds. Clemente was a perfect six-for-six from the floor. AJ Hawkins had a game-high 15 points while Clevin Hannah finished with 14 points.

The Shockers used a strong defensive effort to help build a 10-2 lead early. WSU held the Lumberjacks to just 9 percent shooting in the first eight minutes, as NAU missed 10 of its first 11 shots. NAU answered with a 10-0 run of its own to take a quick 12-10 lead before Garrett Stutz tied it at 12 with 8:09 to play in the half.

Clemente scored back-to-back layups thanks to two higlight-reel passes from Clevin Hannah as WSU retook the lead 19-17, one of two lead changes in the first half. The Shockers took a 23-21 advantage into the break while holding NAU to just 31 percent shooting and forcing eight turnovers.

WSU went on a 7-2 run in the first two minutes of the second half to take a 30-22 lead. This time it was a nifty pass from Clemente to Hannah that resulted in a layup to cap the run. Matt Johnson put the Lumberjacks back in the game leading NAU on an 8-2 run with two layups and a jumper to pull within two, 36-34.

The Shockers answered with a 9-2 run powered by five points from Hannah. JT Durley fed a bounce pass to a cutting Hannah for an easy layup to cap the drive. The resulting 45-36 lead was WSU's largest to that point. NAU would not go away however, as back-to-back three-pointers by Josh Wilson pulled the ?Jacks within one, 54-53, with 34 seconds to play.

An intentional foul on Wilson gave Hawkins two free-throws and gave WSU the ball. Hawkins hit one of his two free throws to give WSU a 55-53 edge with less than 20 ticks remaining, and the Shockers grabbed the ensuing rebound. NAU's Matt Johnson immediately fouled Hannah, sending the freshman to the line where he converted both throws and secured the Shocker win.

With the win, the Shockers improve to 5-5 on the season, while the Lumberjacks fall to 3-7. WSU is back in action Monday when they entertain North Dakota. Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m. inside Charles Koch Arena.

--Wichita State--