HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston Bearkats could not work out of a second-half deficit on Thursday night, dropping a 69-54 decision to Liberty at Liberty Arena.  

The Bearkats (7-6, 0-3 CUSA) held a one-point lead early in the third quarter, but a 15-2 Flame (9-5, 2-1 CUSA) run gave the home team enough cushion to keep Sam Houston at bay the rest of the way. 

Sam Houston improved their shooting from 25 percent to 45 percent in the second quarter, closing the gap to one point and taking a slim lead at halftime. However, Liberty responded with a strong third quarter, sinking three crucial 3-pointers to pull ahead for good. 

Deborah Ogayemi was shy of a double-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists.  

Nyla Inmon put up 14 points while Sydnee Kemp had seven points and four assists.  

Sam Houston will face FIU on Saturday at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN+.