MIAMI – The Sam Houston Bearkats could not hold on to a halftime lead, falling 61-54 to FIU at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on Saturday afternoon.  

The Bearkats (7-7, 0-4 CUSA) held a 24-19 lead at the break, but were outscored 42-30 in the second half by the homestanding Panthers (7-8, 3-1 CUSA) who won their third straight league game. 

FIU quickly erased the Bearkat advantage in the third quarter with a 10-0 run and went on to hit 10 of 15 shots from the field in the final stanza to secure the victory. 

Nyla Inmon led Sam Houston with 13 points, while Aysia Ward-Strong added 10. Fanta Kone contributed nine rebounds, six assists, and six steals. 

Sam Houston returns home to host Kennesaw State on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.