HUNTSVILLE - Sam Houston could not keep up with UTEP in the second half on senior day as it fell 82-66 at Johnson Coliseum on Saturday.
The Bearkats (7-18, 2-11 CUSA) were well within striking distance after the first half, only trailing by six points and drilling five triples. However, a 25-point third quarter outburst by the Miners followed up with a 20 point fourth quarter ultimately sank the Kats.
Seniors
Sydnee Kemp and
Kaylee Jefferson led Sam Houston with 18 points each,
Shanti Henry added 12 points and
Elena Houghton led the team with 9 boards.
The day was kicked off in celebration as six seniors were recognized for their time with the Bearkats, including Jefferson, Kemp, Henry,
Raanee Smith,
Tamera Derrough and
Alexus Seaton. Manager Jailah Rayford was also recognized in the ceremony.
In the early goings of the contest, neither team was able to establish any control. UTEP got out to an early nine-point lead after the first quarter, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Henry knotted the game up at 20 early in the second quarter. Another triple by Henry brought the Kats within a point in the waning minutes of the half, but UTEP used an 8-0 run to get the game back to a nine-point lead. Kemp would close the distance with only seconds left, making three free throws after a late foul from beyond the arc.
As the third quarter started, Sam Houston brought it within 5 points thanks to a Smith and-one, but that would be the closest the Kats would get. A 20-8 run by the Miners, including four made 3-pointers, would put themselves in complete control of the game.
A 9-3 run to kick the fourth quarter off would put the game out of reach and seal the Kats' fate.
Sam Houston will be on the road to take on Middle Tennessee at the Murphy Center on March 2. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. with the game being streamed on ESPN+.
