HOUSTON – Sam Houston pulled away late for a 79-68 win over Houston Christian on Friday at Sharp Gym.
The Bearkats (7-3) closed out non-conference play with a strong victory, extending their all-time series win streak to seven against the Huskies.
Sam Houston started fast, opening with a 14-4 lead in the first quarter. HCU rallied to tie the game at 20 early in the second.
The teams traded leads throughout the second half, entering the fourth quarter knotted at 52. But the Bearkats dominated the final frame, pouring in 27 points to secure the win.
Kaila Kelley led the charge with her first 20-plus-point game of the season, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Four other Bearkats scored in double figures: Kyleigh McGuire had 14 points, Sydnee Kemp added 13, and Aysia Ward-Strong and Whitney Dunn chipped in 10 each. Ward-Strong also led the team with nine rebounds.
Sam Houston will return to action on Jan. 2, hosting NM State in the conference opener. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Coliseum, with the game airing on ESPN+.
