DALLAS – The Sam Houston Bearkats put a scare into SMU on Monday night, but the homestanding Mustangs held off a late rally for a 69-64 win at Moody Coliseum.  

Sam Houston (5-5) trailed by 12 with less than 3:30 to play, but went on an 11-2 run, cutting the lead to 67-64 with just 41 seconds to play on a pair of free throws from Kassidy Dixon. However, SMU's (5-5) TK Pitts responded with a layup to beat an expiring shot clock on the ensuing possession to ice the game. 
 
The Bearkats turned up the dial on defense in the game, forcing 15 first-half turnovers that led to 17 points, aiding in a 34-32 lead at the halfway point of the game. Kaylee Jefferson having a hot night forced six turnovers, four came from the first quarter.  

Sydnee Kemp and Diana Rosenthal led the Kats with 13 points each and Shanti Henry put up a season-high 11. Dixon ended the night with a season-high four assists. 

Kaylee Jefferson grabbed a season-high of 11 rebounds and added nine points to the Bearkats total. Raanee Smith added eight rebounds to make a team total of 40 on the night.  

The Bearkats will be back on the road to face Utah Valley on Thursday at 3 p.m. in a game to be aired on ESPN+.