BOISE, Idaho — Sam Houston turned up the heat in the second half at the Idaho Central Arena to run away with a 94-68 victory over Idaho on Friday night.
The Bearkats (5-2) made some clutch shots in pivotal moments to extend their winning streak to four with a pair of wins at the ICCU Holiday Hoops Classic. Sam Houston edged Idaho State 85-81 on Wednesday.
The Kats fought back from a nine-point deficit to retake the lead in the second half.
Isaiah Manning, who had a key shot right before the half, drained a 3-pointer to put Sam Houston on top 58-53.
Freshman
Jacobe Coleman hit two shots from behind the arc midway through the second. Manning opened it up with his third 3 of the evening to make it 69-56.
Sam Houston took over from there and closed it out with Manning putting on the finishing touches with a four-point play in the final minutes.
Manning led the Kats with 18 points, and Coleman had 17.
Justin Begg added 13 points, and
Jaxson Ford scored 10.
It was back and forth early, then Idaho began to open a lead in the first half.
The Kats trailed 13-11 when Coleman buried a 3 with just under 12 minutes to play in the half. The Vandals retook the lead, but Coleman again got a jumper to fall in the lane as it remained close.
Idaho retook the lead with a 3 only to see Manning answer as Sam Houston pulled in front 21-20. The Vandals got hot and used an 8-0 run to grab a 33-24 advantage.
Damon Nicholas Jr., who scored nine, finally ended the scoring drought with a layup with under four minutes to go in the period.
Jacob Walker and Coleman hit a pair of 3s, and Nicholas scored to make it a six-point game.
Manning then drove the lane for a layup and was fouled with 36 clicks on the clock before the break. He knocked in the free throw as the Bearkats were able to climb within three at the half.
Sam Houston will head to Oklahoma State to face the Cowboys on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
