Huntsville – Sophomore guard Dakarai Henderson came off the bench to score 16 points to lead both teams as Sam Houston State opened its men's basketball season with a 100-52 non-conference win over Austin College at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Friday afternoon.

The Bearkat bench accounted for 59 points as Sam Houston shot 52.9 percent from the floor (36-of-68) and out-boarded the Kangaroos 54-32.

Kevin Graham led Austin College with 15 points. Andres Rivera added 12 points.

“Coming into this game, we wanted to give everybody some playing time and we were able to do that,” SHSU head coach Jason Hooten said. “It's exciting to get the season started and, today, playing at 12 noon, we were the second NCAA Division I team to play.”

Four other Kats tallied in double figures as starting center Michael Holyfield scored 14 points and led both teams with eight rebounds. Sean Goodwin posted 11 points and starting guard Jabari Peters scored 10.

The Bearkats blocked 10 Austin College shots with Holyfield leading the way with five.

“We've definitely got a strong bench this year, so it's not surprising to see 59 points from that group in a game like this,” Hooten said. “We need every player to know he has a role and that they're going to have their opportunity. As a coach, it's good to have guys who can come in off the bench and give you a spark.”

Sam Houston led from wire to wire, building a 55-22 lead at intermission and going up by as many as 51 points late in the game.

Next action for Sam Houston State will be a road game at UNLV Sunday afternoon.