ANCHORAGE – Junior guard Tobin Karlberg scored 19 points and senior guard David Rowlands delivered 12 points and 10 assists Friday to propel the Alaska Anchorage men's basketball team to an 83-53 victory over Lincoln Christian in its home opener at the Alaska Airlines Center.

The Seawolves (2-2) also got 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting from sophomore guard Caleb Larsen in their first home contest since Feb. 22, 2020.

The Red Lions (2-6) were led by 19 points from forward Josh Donaldson, while point guard Dominic Williams had 12 points, five assists and six steals for the visitors from Lincoln, Ill.

"We need to play better overall, but tonight was a good opportunity to get our feet wet with a real home game," said UAA head coach Rusty Osborne.

Friday's matchup looked like a mismatch at the outset as the Seawolves jumped to a 18-4 lead behind Karlberg's hot shooting. The Preseason All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selection made his first seven two-point shots as UAA built a 37-26 halftime advantage, but LCU would continue to cut into its deficit after the break.

The Red Lions sliced it to 40-36 when UAA center Oggie Pantovic was whistled for a flagrant foul with 17:30 remaining, and trailed 42-38 with 16:40 left.

UAA responded, however, getting a three-pointer from Karlberg and consecutive baskets from Hunter Sweet and Rowlands to push their lead back to double figures.

Pantovic scored consecutive baskets midway through the half for a 65-45 advantage, and the Seawolves cruised the rest of the way.

Karlberg finished 9 of 18 from the floor, along with five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Pantovic collected 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

Sweet added 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks as all five Seawolf starters scored double figures.

The Seawolves and Red Lions meet for a rematch Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center.