HUNTSVILLE– Sam Houston Bearkats rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime but fell 85-73 to Kennesaw State on Thursday at Johnson Coliseum. 

The Bearkats (7-8, 0-5 CUSA) fought back in an attempt to secure their first conference win of the season; however, the Owls regrouped to outscore the Kats 15-3 in overtime to seal the victory. 

Sam Houston opened the game with an 8-0 run, but the Owls quickly responded, taking a 28-18 lead in the first quarter. Kennesaw State maintained their advantage, heading into halftime up 43-34. 

The Bearkats chipped away at the Owls' lead, eventually tying the game at 68 with 56 seconds left in the final period on a free throw by Kyleigh McGuire. 

Kennesaw State drew a foul and went ahead by two points with five seconds remaining, but Nyla Inmon sank two free throws to send the game into overtime, tied at 70. 

In overtime, the Owls scored the first nine points of the stanza to open things up on their way to the program's first win in CUSA play. 

Two Bearkats recorded double-doubles: Deborah Ogayemi tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Inmon contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. 

Fanta Kone also scored 13 points, and Aysia Ward-Strong added 10. 

Sam Houston will face Jax State on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.