HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston women's basketball team picked up its second straight win to open the season on Saturday night, holding off Central Baptist, 86-62, at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
 
Four Kats (2-0) reached double figures on the night, led by double-doubles from Kaylee Jefferson and Courtney Cleveland. Amber Leggett followed up her 34-point effort against Midwestern State on Wednesday with 18 points and seven boards on Saturday, while Jolicia Williams nailed a trio of 3-point field goals on her way to a dozen points in her Bearkat debut.
 
Jefferson hit all three of her 3-point tries as well, putting up career highs with 18 points and 12 boards, while Cleveland tied her career best with 14 rebounds to go along with 15 points.
 
It wasn't smooth sailing for the Kats, despite jumping out to a 28-15 lead at the end of the opening period. But CBC (5-1), an NAIA squad playing its sixth game of the season, found its groove in the second quarter, outscoring the Kats 19-11 to draw within just five points at the break.
 
They would get as close as three early in the third quarter, but the Kats responded, scoring 26 of the game's next 36 points to open the game up, pushing the lead to 67-46 on Williams' first triple of the evening.
 
That lead would continue to grow, getting as large as 27 late in the fourth quarter as the Mustangs never got any closer.
 
Sam Houston shot just 37 percent from the field in the game, but hit nine 3-point baskets and dominated the glass by a 56-29 margin while also forcing 22 turnovers.
 
The Kats are not currently scheduled to be back on the floor until a December 9 game at Alabama, and not back at Johnson Coliseum until December 18 against UTSA.
 
Tickets are currently available for that December 18 game at GoBearkats.com/tickets. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early as no walk-up sales will be taken.