NATCHITOCHES -- The Sam Houston State men got Southland Conference play off on the right foot with a 107-104 double-overtime victory over Northwestern State.

The Kats (9-4, 1-0) led the game by as much as 14 in the second half, only to watch as the Demons came storming back, eventually tying the game at 72 with 4:58 left to play. With 2.5 seconds left in regulation, the Demons hit a pair of free throws to tie the game and force overtime.

In the first OT, it was the Demons jumping out to the lead, taking a three-point advantage with 2:27 left. But Nate Mason hit a pair of free throws with 6 seconds left to force a second extra period.

In the second overtime, already playing with four starters on the bench having fouled out of the game, the Kats took the early lead and never let it go. They finished the game with five players fouling out.

“I can't say enough how proud I am of the guys who were out there at the end for us,” Hooten said. “We had guys who are playing 8 and 9 minutes a game for us out there on the floor in overtime and they were making plays.”

Jabari Peters led the Bearkats in scoring with 21 points. Michael Holyfield scored a career high 20 and Paul Baxter finished with 17. Only Peters finished the game on the floor for the Kats.

“This is a huge win for us,” Peters said. “They are the conference favorites and for us to come to their gym and win was huge. I think because we have ben tested already this year and played an overtime game helped us out.”

The Bearkats will now face SFA on Saturday, at 6 p.m. in Nacogdoches.