Despite an absolutely scintillating shooting performance in the first half, the Sam Houston State women's basketball team lost 79-74 to McNeese State at Johnson Coliseum Saturday. The Bearkats shot 70% from the field in the first half but only hit 24% in the second period.

Shernise Robertson led all scorers in the game with 30 points. She was one-point shy of her season high of 31 points against Nicholls State one game ago. She was perfect from the field with 17 points on 6-of-6 shooting in the first half. The only blemish on Robertson's first-half stat line was one miss from the free-throw line, where she was 7-of-8.

The Kats were lights out in the first half, hitting 17-of-24 from the field and 12-of-13 from the charity stripe. Taylor Dorsey had a perfect stat line in the first half, hitting all four of her shots and both of her free-throws. She had 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds before halftime.

SHSU only held a 48-44 advantage at halftime after the hot shooting performance. McNeese also managed to hit 50% of their field goals, while also forcing nine Bearkat turnovers before halftime.

McNeese State started the second half on an 8-4 run to tie the game 52-52. A layup by freshman Ann Nwosah gave the Cowgirls a 56-54 lead, their first lead since the 4:41 mark of the first half.

Dorsey completed a three-point play for the Bearkats that tied the game 67-67 with five minutes left. McNeese came back down the floor and hit a three-pointer to retake the lead, which they would hold for the remainder of the game. She finished the game with 15 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

The Kats got the game back to one possession in the closing seconds but were unable to get the clutch basket late. The Cowgirls iced the game from the free-throw line, hitting 7-of-8 down the stretch.

Jayln Johnson led McNeese with 22 points, including 10-of-12 from the free-throw line. Amber Donnes added 21 points with five three-pointers.

Sam Houston heads back on the road to face Abilene Christian Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The Bearkats will then return to Johnson Coliseum for five straight home games, starting with Stephen F. Austin Saturday, Jan. 24.