Kats open home slate against Wiley College
11/17/2016 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Game 3
Friday, Nov. 18 • Huntsville, Texas • 11:00 a.m. • Johnson Coliseum (6,100)
Sam Houston State (0-2) vs Wiley College (4-0)
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HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sam Houston State women's basketball returns home Friday following a pair of trial-by-fire matchups against Power 5 programs to take on Wiley College. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. from Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
The Bearkats (0-2) are looking to bounce back after dropping a pair of road losses at Arkansas and TCU. In its opener against the Razorbacks, Sam Houston was plagued by a slow start but rebounded nicely in the second half while against the Horned Frogs, a quality start was dampened by a challenging second half.
The new-look squad, which welcomes seven freshmen and four transfers, has seen quality contributions from freshmen a pair of freshmen guards. Rachel Harrell ranks 10th in the Southland Conference for three-point percentage (.333) and Jennifer Oramas is third on the team with 6.5 points per game.
Meanwhile, senior Jasmine McCants has assumed her new leadership role, leading the Kats in both points per game (9.5) and rebounds per game (9.0). Those marks rank ninth and 23rd respectively in the Southland while Sam Houston has controlled the boards, assuming third for offensive rebounds among league members (36.0 per game) and fourth in defensive rebounds (44.0).
Friday will also mark the first regular-season game at Johnson Coliseum for the program since the venue underwent extensive renovations to the 40-year old venue. Among the new-look features includes a re-haul and expansion of its locker rooms and a new Maplewood court in addition to other amenities.
The Bearkats opponent, Wiley College (4-0), hails from the NAIA's Red River Conference, and is riding a four-game win streak to open its season. The Wildcats are led by Alexis Bernstine, who owns the team's top scoring (13.3) and rebounding (7.0) marks per game.
The matchup will be the fourth all-time between the two programs with the Bearkats leading the series 2-1. The Wildcats stole the show in their last visit to Johnson Coliseum in 2014, using a 10-2 run after the Kats led 12-11, in route to a 65-48 victory.
The game will be the first of a brief two-game home stand for Sam Houston in Huntsville. The Bearkats return Monday at 6:30 p.m. to take on UTRGV before hitting the road for eight straight including its six final non-conference matchups leading into Southland action.
