The Bearkats struggle to recover from a challenging first half at Pete Matthews Coliseum
Official press release from GoBearkats.com
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Sam Houston could not overcome a slow start in a 79-68 loss to Jacksonville State at the Pete Matthews Coliseum on Thursday.
The Bearkats (13-11, 6-3 CUSA) allowed 40 first-half points to the Gamecocks, including five 3-pointers and multiple 3-point plays. The Kats meanwhile committed five turnovers and shot just 34 percent from the field.
Cameron Huefner led the way with 15 points, Damon Nicholas Jr. and Lamar Wilkerson both had 12 each. Marcus Boykin added 10 points and also grabbed four boards along with Wilkerson and Davon Barnes.
The game started off in disastrous fashion for Sam Houston, with Jax State scoring on their first six possessions. An and-1 by the Gamecocks put the Kats behind 13-7 early in the first half.
The Bearkats did not have better success defending from behind the arc, as Jax State hit two late 3-pointers to put themselves up by 17 headed into the half.
In the second half, Sam Houston would start to claw its way back thanks to a steal and layup by Boykin to cut the lead to 10. A pair of 3-pointers by Nicholas and Huefner would get the Kats within six. That, however, would be the closest the Bearkats would get.
The Kats could not keep up with the Gamecocks, who got to the free throw line to extend the lead back to 13. Sam Houston tried one last gasp with a late layup by Barnes to cut the lead to eight, but the game ultimately fell out of reach.
Sam Houston will be back home next Thursday to take on FIU at Johnson Coliseum on ESPN+. Tip-off is set for 6:30 pm.
Notes
- Sam Houston was out rebounded for the first time since the loss at Liberty (Jan. 20), 43-24.
- Huefner’s 15 points gives him his third straight double-digit scoring effort, and fourth total double-digit game of the season
