The Sam Houston men’s basketball team is off to their best start as a Division I team, with a 5-1 record.This past week, the Bearkats survived a nail biter as they escaped with a 51-50 victory over Alcorn State.
The game was close throughout but the true test for the Bearkats came in the final seconds.With 10 tics left on the clock, Alcorn State had possession. After a series of passes and screens, Alcorn’s Almaad Jackson had a wide open drive to the basket. But alas, the luck of the Bearkats prevailed as Jackson’s dunk opportunity clanked off the back iron.After a scramble for the ball and another shot opportunity by Alcorn State, Ryan Bright came up with the rebound and was intentionally fouled with 0.8 seconds left in the game.
Bright had another great game for the Kats as he put in 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.Jejaun Plair led all scorers with 16.
“I love being on this team, it just seems like we can overcome [obstacles],” said Plair.
The Bearkats’ next test will be Wednesday night at Johnson Coliseum against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The home game will present a conference-like atmosphere for the Bearkats.
The Golden Eagles are currently 2-4 but opened the season by defeating the Lamar Cardinals 79-76. At the beginning of the season, the Cardinals were picked to finish second in the Southland Conference.The Bearkats were picked to finish fourth.With Wednesday night’s match up, the Bearkats will experience a true test when it comes to Southland Conference action.
“I don’t think we’ve played a complete game yet, and I guess you can look at that as a positive,” Plair said.”We haven’t played our best ball yet.”