HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston Bearkats fought off a scrappy McMurry squad to remain undefeated in non-conference play at home with a 75-53 victory on Thursday at Johnson Coliseum. 

The Kats (5-2) got ahead 22-9 to close out the first quarter. It was all Sam Houston from there. Kaila Kelley led the team with a career-high 19 points. Aysia Ward-Strong was close behind with 14 points and seven rebounds. 

Fanta Kone had a spectacular performance across the stat sheet. She came close to posting a triple-double with 14 rebounds and 10 assists, but she was three points shy of double figures.  

The Kats shot 43 percent from the field and made two 3-point baskets while doubling McMurry's points in the paint 36-18. The War Hawks had no answer for Sam Houston's defense, shooting only 34 percent from the floor.  

Sam Houston will head to San Antonio to face UTSA on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN+.