COLLEGE STATION -- The Bearkats were unable to rebound from a slow start to the second half as they lost to Texas A&M 79-62 Sunday afternoon. Despite Kaheem Ransom leading all scorers with 13 points, Sam Houston (4-1) shot just 37.7% from the field.

The game got away from the Kats early in the second half. They were called for six fouls in the first two minutes while Texas A&M started on a 9-2 run. The Aggies hit nearly 70% of their shots in the first 10 minutes of the second half. A&M led by as many as 31 points with 5:35 left.

“I saw all four of Texas A&M's first games and I thought tonight was the best they've played,” Bearkat head coach Jason Hooten said. “I know coach Kennedy well and I knew he would have his team ready to play tonight against us. We knew the competition we played wasn't going to be as stout as tonight. But I'm disappointed in the way we played.”

After Texas A&M jumped out to an early first half lead the Bearkats started to chip away and got within four points of the Aggies. With the Kats down 18-7, forward Terrance Motley made a jumper to start a run. A Will Bond three-pointer cut the Aggie lead to five at 20-15.

Michael Holylfield made three-of-four free throws in the first half to help the Bearkat cause.

Texas A&M made a late run to pull ahead by 13 points before SHSU made a few baskets right before half. Fabyon Harris was a big part of A&M's offensive burst late in the half, making a pair of three-pointers.

Four three-pointers by the Aggies tied for the most they've hit in the first half of a game this season. Against Prairie View A&M they were 0-for-6 in the opening period.

SHSU never found a rhythm in the second half and were unable to capitalize on a solid first half. James Thomas finished with nine points, Jabari Peters had eight and Nathaniel Mason added seven.

Antwan Space led the Aggies with 12 points and nine rebounds. Fabyon Harris, Jordan Green, and Alex Caruso each added nine points.

“I think early in the year this can be a great learning experience for our guys. We've still got some new guys that don't quite understand this level yet as far as this being a job. We'll get there and get these guys where they need to be and before it's all said and done we'll have a really good basketball team,” Hooten added.

The Kats will continue play in the Corpus Christi Challenge with a game against SMU Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Garland.