HUNTSVILLE– Sam Houston Bearkats grabbed their first CUSA win of the season with a 53-48 victory over Jax State at Johnson Coliseum on Saturday.  

After a defense-laden first period of play, the Bearkats (8-8, 1-5 CUSA) seized momentum with a 12-0 run in the second quarter, which propelled them to their first conference victory of the season. 

Both teams combined for just 15 points in the opening stanza with Jax State holding a narrow 9-6 lead in what was the lowest scoring first quarter in the conference this season for Sam Houston.  

But the Bearkats found their rhythm in the second quarter, scoring nine points in the first three minutes, sparked by a 3-pointer from Nyla Inmon, who led the Kats with 13 points in the game.  
Sam Houston held a 29-21 lead at the break and never surrendered the advantage, leading by as much as 12 in the fourth.  

The Gamecocks made things interesting by holding Sam Houston scoreless for the final 3:50 of the game. They drew to within five points with 2:15, but the Bearkat defense put the clamps on to the finish line. 

Along with Inmon's 13-point effort, Fanta Kone contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists. 

The Bearkats will be on the road next week to face Middle Tennessee and WKU. Both games are set to be broadcast on ESPN+.