Shernise Robertson scored 27 points to lead a Sam Houston women's basketball comeback that fell just short as Houston Baptist defeated the Bearkats 66-61 Saturday at HBU's Sharp Gymnasium.

The SHSU women, now 6-17 for the year and 5-8 in Southland play, trailed 14-2 six minutes into the game and were down by as many as 16 points in the first half.

But Robertson and Jasmine Robinson, who scored 11 points, led a 19-10 run to finish the opening 20 minutes down by only two 37-35 at intermission.

The Bearkats finally took the lead on an Alexandra Kimble layup, 55-54 with 3:55 to play. HBU jumped back in front quickly but the SHSU women tied the contest three more times.

The final tie came with 1:04 to play on a lay-up by Saundra Guillory. She was then fouled after an offensive rebound and went to the line with a chance to put the Kats back on top but missed.

Erin McGarrachan hit the game-winning 10-foot jumper from the lane with 35 seconds to play. A steal and a free throw by Anna Strickland put HBU up 64-61.

Robertson had a potential game-tying three-point shot blocked with five seconds to play. After Coach Brenda Nichols protested the block was a foul, the officiating crew checked the replay and the play stood. HBU added two more free throws to make the final margin 66-61.

Guillory led Sam Houston with 10 rebounds. Houston Baptist now stands 10-14 for the year and 4-9 in Southland action.