KATY - In a tale of two halves, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi fought back to end Sam Houston's women's basketball season with a 99-79 victory in the first round of the State Farm Southland Conference Postseason Classic Tuesday afternoon at the Merrell Center.

No. 6 seed Sam Houston (11-18) shoot 52.9 percent from the floor while limiting the Islanders to just 30 percent in the first half to build a 47-40 lead at intermission.

But in the second period, the No. 3 seeded Islanders (21-9) hit 63.6 percent from the floor while the Kats went cold to out-score Sam Houston 59-32 in the period.

"In the second half, our shots just weren't falling," SHSU head coach Brenda Nichols said. "They started dominating inside and it just got away from us. But I'm really proud of what our team accomplished and I'm especially proud of what these seniors did to lead this program."

Four-year seniors Brittany Brooks (14 points), Ray Alexander (14 points) and Whitney Smith (12 points) all scored in double figures to lead the Bearkats.

"I can't believe its over," Alexander said. "We fought so hard to get here."

The Islanders dominated under the boards, out-rebounding the Kats 57-34. Jade Davis was the game's top scorer with 18 points. Deziree Green scored 16 and pulled down 11 rebounds.

"I'd do it all over again," Brooks said. "I'm proud to have been part of the Sam Houston program. They will be back in this tournament. And I'll be here in the stands cheering them on."

In their first tournament appearance since 2004, Sam Houston started strong, building an 11-point lead 31-20 on a 3-pointer by Chanice Smith with seven minutes left before halftime.

But the Islanders opened the second half with a 14-7 run to tie the score and never trailed again.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will play No. 7 seed Northwestern State in the semifinals Thursday after the Demons upset No. 2 seed SFA.

"Brittany, Ray and Whitney have been with us all four years we've been here," Nichols said, "They have paved the way for a bright future for this program."