PHOENIX, Arizona -- Sam Houston fell in its road match against Grand Canyon 76-64 at Global Credit Union Arena on Tuesday.

It was a slow start for the Bearkats in this one, trailing 14-4 early in the game. However the Kats made timely 3-pointers as well as an 8-2 run at the end of the half to remain within striking distance of the Lopes.

In the second half, the Bearkats managed to bring the game within two points thanks to a Damon Nicholas Jr. old-fashion three-point play, however that would be the closest the Kats would get. Sam Houston committed 12 second-half turnovers that led to 15 points for the Lopes and gave up a 17-4 run late in the game that ultimately sunk the Kats' chances of a comeback.

Davon Barnes led the Kats in scoring with 11 points, Lamar Wilkerson was in double figures with 10, and Nicholas had nine points off the bench. Souleymayne Doumbia led the Sam Houston with eight rebounds to go along with his seven points.

Sam Houston will travel to Lubbock to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Dec. 28 with tip-off set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.