Kansas City, Mo. – Nyha Carter hit two free throws with seven seconds remaining for the winning points as the Sam Houston women extended their winning streak to five with a 78-76 victory over Missouri-Kansas City Friday afternoon.

The victory came in the first game of the UMKC Classic. Sam Houston upped its season record to 5-2 while Kansas City remains winless at 0-6.

The Bearkat women led by 17 points, 72-55, with 6:05 to play after a pair of free throws by Maggie Lorenz. Kim Neziankya began a 21-4 run for the Kangaroos with a three-point basket five seconds later.

Neziankya tied the game 76-76 with a layup with 36 seconds remaining. In between Neziankya's baskets the Bearkats went 2-for-11 from the field including four misses from beyond the arc.  

After Carter's free throws, Elise O'Connor missed a jumper at the buzzer that allowed Sam Houston to escape with the victory.

Freshman point guard Taylor Dorsey led Sam Houston with 16 points.  Junior post player Angela Beadle scored 15 and pulled down nine rebounds. Senior guard Jasmine Johnson scored 16 and freshman Kristina Smith added 10 points.

O'Connor led all shooters with 21 points. Nezianya totaled 19 points for UMKC.

After taking a 5-4 lead three minutes into the game, Sam Houston never trailed until the final minute. The Bearkats, who shot 45 percent from the field in the first half (17-of-38) led at intermission 39-30. The SHSU women were 15-of-18 at the foul line (83 per cent) and 5-of-20 from three point range.

Sam Houston will play Alabama-Birmingham at 1 p.m. in their second contest at the UMKC Classic.