Jabari Peters and Kaheem Ransom, a pair of junior college transfers from Seward County Community College, led Sam Houston to a 77-73 victory over Texas-Pan American in the season opener for both men's basketball teams Friday in Edinburg.

Peters scored 24 points, going 13-of-18 at the free throw line. Ransom was 6-of-10 from the field including three treys to total 23 points. The pair combined to hit six pressure charity shots in the final 27 seconds of the game to preserve the victory.

James Thomas added nine points for the Bearkats. Ransom led Sam Houston with six rebounds. The Kats shot 45.7 percent from the field, going 26-of-63, and were 30-of-50 from the free throw line.

The Broncs led for most of the first half, jumping out to a 7-2 margin in the first six minutes and leading 27-22 with 2:56 left before intermission. By a three-pointer by Peters sparked a 7-2 run to end the half with both teams knotted at 27-27.

A pair of free throws by Ransom five minutes into the second period gave Sam Houston a 39-38 lead that the Kats never relinquished. The SHSU men led by as many as 14 points, 57-43, after  a basket by Ransom with 8:18 remaining.

UTPA fought back to cut the margin to one 72-71 with 18 seconds remaining. Peters and Ransom each hit a pair of free throws to ice the win.

Sam Houston faces Hillside Baptist College Monday at 7 p.m. at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum in the Bearkats' home opener Monday.