Michael Holyfield's 14 points and 10 rebounds helped the Sam Houston men's basketball team roll to an 81-63 win over Houston Baptist Saturday at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkats (16-6, 8-2 SLC) have won three consecutive and seven of their last eight games.

The Kats got out to a double-digit lead in the second half and held off HBU the rest of the way, ending the game with their largest lead of the day. After getting out to a 16-point lead midway through the second half, SHSU allowed HBU to get back within seven points. Sam Houston then outscored HBU 20-9 in the final eight minutes of the game.

“I was happy with the way we closed out the game,” head coach Jason Hooten said. “I'd like us to get to a point where we can get a 16 point lead and turn that into something else. You have to give Houston Baptist credit. They're a well-coached team that plays really hard and their guys aren't going to lay down and go away.”

Jabari Peters and James Thomas also scored 14 points. Kaheem Ransom had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Ransom also pulled down seven rebounds.

After trailing for the first eight and a half minutes, Will Bond made a pair of free throws to give SHSU its first lead of the game. HBU had held a 15-12 lead over the Bearkats before an 11-2 run gave Sam Houston State a 23-17 lead.

Later in the half the Kats went on a 12-1 run to take their largest lead of the half, seven points. The Huskies made a three-pointer with 12 seconds left to cut the Kat lead to 39-34 at the interval.

All 10 SHSU players that stepped on the floor in the first period were able to score at least two points, led by Ransom's seven first-half points. 9-of-10 Kats made a field goal before halftime. By the end of the game every SHSU player had made a basket.

Holyfield got into foul trouble early but he was able to come back in the game and make a big impact late.

“We've played 10 conference games and I thought today Mike (Holyfield) really got out to a slow start. I got him out of the game and got onto him a bit and got him back into the game. What a game he had. He's the difference in our team this year,” Hooten added.

Houston Baptist had four players in double figures, led by Rob Lewis' 13 points. Colter Lasher scored 12 points and Cody Joyce and Ricmonds Vilde each added 11.

The Kats will have next Thursday off before returning to Johnson Coliseum to host Lamar Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m.