HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston Bearkats could not withstand the league-leading Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks on Thursday night, falling 73-58, at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
The Ladyjacks (24-3, 15-0 WAC) opened the game on a 13-2 run and never trailed, leading by as much as 19 behind a game-high 20 points from Stephanie Visschher and 47-percent shooting from the field as a team.
Sam Houston, meanwhile, kept within striking distance through three quarters, but an SFA run early in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 17 with just 4:30 to play.
Courtney Cleveland shook off a slow start to turn in a big second half, scoring 17 of her 18 points in the final 20 minutes.
Damaya Telemaque also reached double figures with 13, while
Madelyn Batista finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.
But the Kats' points were hard earned as they shot just 33-percent from the field, but finished with a 48-32 edge on the glass.
The Kats will close out home play on Saturday when it hosts Grand Canyon. The game will serve as Senior Day for Sam Houston's 3-member senior class of Cook, Cleveland and
LeAndra Echi.
Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN+.
