8-4,1-0CUSA
Louisiana Tech
7-5,0-1CUSA
Kats take CUSA opener at LA Tech
1/2/2026 10:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball
RUSTON, La. — The Sam Houston Bearkats kicked off Conference USA play and the 2026 calendar year the right way, hanging on for a 67-64 win over Louisiana Tech on Friday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.
Sam Houston (8-4, 1-0 CUSA) led by as much as eight points in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Techsters (7-5, 0-1 CUSA) made things close in the game's final minutes, cutting it to just one point before Aysia Ward-Strong made a pair of foul shots to give just enough cushion for the Kats to pick up the program's first-ever win in Ruston.
Fanta Kone led the Bearkats offensively with 19 points, five assists and five rebounds. Deborah Ogayemi added a season-high 17 points and 10 rebounds, recording her fourth double-double of the season. Ward-Strong contributed a season-high 15 points and led the defense with six steals.
The Bearkats kept the game tight early, erasing an 18-13 first-quarter deficit to pull within one by the end of the period. Sam Houston continued to apply pressure in the second quarter and went into halftime trailing just 34-33.
Sam Houston's defense was on full display, forcing 25 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.
UP NEXT
The Bearkats will remain on the road next week, facing Liberty and Delaware. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
