HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston Bearkats got back in the win column on Wednesday night, returning to Johnson Coliseum to cruise past St. Thomas (TX), 86-48.  

The Kats (3-2) forced the Celts into 36 turnovers on the night, capitalizing for 38 points en route to the win. Deborah Ogayemi paced three Bearkats in double figures with 16 points and 16 rebounds for her second double-double of the young season. 

Kaila Kelley added a game-high 18 points of her own, reaching double figures for the fourth time in five games this year, while Aysia Ward-Strong flirted with a triple-double as she finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and six steals. 

Sam Houston wasted little time putting UST away, using an 11-2 run in the first quarter to distance themselves on the way to a 25-10 lead at the end of the period. From there, the Kats just added on, outscoring the Celts 35-16 over the next two quarters. 

The Kats shot just 39.1 percent from the field and did not sink a 3-point basket, but made up for it with a 60-36 advantage on the glass and 46 points in the paint. 

Sam Houston will be back in action on Saturday at Johnson Coliseum against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN+.