HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Much like the previous games in this series, it was a battle between the Wildcats and the Bearkats. Sam Houston came out firing and they were able to get out to an early 12-point lead. ACU was not phased as they worked their way back into the game by getting the ball inside where they had the size advantage. The Wildcats would cut the lead to as few as two points in the second half, but a scoring drought allowed the Bearkats to pull away once again. The team was able to force turnovers late, but SHSU held on for the 64-57 win.
Southland Significance
With their first conference loss of the season the Wildcats will drop to third place in the Southland behind SHSU at 6-0 and SFA at 4-0.
Key Plays
- An offensive rebound led to a Demarkus Lampley three that gave SHSU an 8-4 lead and helped Lampley find his stroke early.
- Just a couple minutes later Lampley converted a four-point play that gave the Bearkats an 11-point lead.
- Airion Simmons broke a four-minute scoreless stretch for the Wildcats with a layup off a pass from Tobias Cameron.
- The Wildcats scored on three of their first four possessions in the second half, including made threes from Simmons and Reggie Miller, to cut into the Sam Houston lead.
- Back-to-back turnovers from SHSU turned into points for the Wildcats and they were able to cut the lead to 46-44 with 14 minutes left in the game.
- After ACU cut the lead to two, they struggled to score and the Bearkats capitalized going on an 11-2 run.
- The Wildcats cut the lead to as few as five down the stretch, forcing turnovers and getting stops, but SHSU made their free throws and held on for the win.
Turning Point
Sam Houston threw the early offensive punch, going up 18-6 just six minutes into the game. The Bearkats held that lead for most of the game and despite the Wildcats stellar second-half defense, they were unable to make the comeback.
Stat Pack
- Offensive rebounding for the Bearkats helped them build their early lead as they made three of their first five three-point jumpers on second chance attempts.
- Simmons had a big night for ACU, matching his career-high with 16 points in 20 minutes of action.
- Miller did a little bit of everything for the Wildcats, tallying six points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. The rebounds and assists were both career-highs.
- After allowing 39 points to the Bearkats on 52 percent shooting in the first half, the Wildcats locked in defensively holding them to 25 points on 27 percent shooting in the second half.
- Sam Houston won the rebounding battle 47-33, including 16-13 on the offensive boards.
- ACU dominated the paint, outscoring SHSU 34-16.
- The Wildcats were without leading scorer, Coryon Mason, who was out due to injury.
- Lampley and Nutall combined to core 34 of the Bearkats 39 first half points.
Up Next
The Wildcats return to Abilene on Saturday when they host Central Arkansas at 3 p.m., immediately following the women's game.
