SHSU battles Horns Sunday in Austin
12/14/2013 7:51:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Sam Houston attempts to achieve something no other Bearkat women's basketball team has achieved in the 44 seasons of the program's history Sunday afternoon in Austin.
The Kats takes on the University of Texas at the Erwin Center at 1 p.m. Sunday.The Longhorns have won all seven meetings in the series that dates back to Jan. 27, 1997. UT has an average scoring margin of +41.4 points against the Bearkats, including three 50-point victories.
The Horns bring a 6-3 record into the tilt that includes three wins over other in-state rivals. Texas defeated Texas-San Antonio 63-42, Texas State 96-42 and Texas A&M 69-58 within the last month.
Sam Houston brings a 5-4 mark into the contest that includes victories over NCAA Division I foes Louisiana-Lafayette. Rice and Houston Baptist.
Sam Houston is led by 6-3 junior forward Angela Beadle who looks to be one of the most dominant players in the Southland this year. She stands fifth in scoring in the league (16.8 points) and leads the Southland in rebounding (10.8).
When the Bearkats get the ball inside to the Beadle consistently, they win. Sam Houston is averaging 33.2 points per game in the paint in their victories.
Sam Houston also boasts outstanding back court leadership from senior guard Jasmine Johnson, a four-year starter who ranks second on the squad in scoring.
Junior forward Nneka Enemkpali , who ranks tied for second in the Big 12 in rebounding (8.7 rpg) and leads Texas in scoring (12.9 ppg), leads the Longhorns.
Texas has posted some of the best defensive numbers in the nation. Through Dec. 8, the Longhorns rank third in field goal percentage defense (.415), eighth in scoring defense (52.3 ppg) and 15th in rebounding margin (+11.9). The Horns haveout-rebounded its opponents by an average of 45.8-to-33.9 per game and lead their opponents in average points in the paint, 31.6-to-15.6.
Following the Texas game, Sam Houston travels to TCU Friday, December 20. The Bearkats open Southland Conference action with trips to Northwestern State January 2 and Stephen F. Austin January 4.
The next home appearance for the Sam Houston women is Thursday, Jan. 9, when the Bearkats play host to McNeese State at 5:30 p.m.
