After a pair of close contests against a formidable pair of opponents – Fresno State and Wisconsin-Milwaukee – the Bearkats were due for a change of pace when they took on Div. III Hardin-Simmons Thursday night at Johnson Coliseum, defeating the Cowboys 79-41.
The Bearkats got off to a quick start going on a 22-8 run for an early 29-10 lead. The Bearkats continued to out-play and out-run the Cowboys, leading by as many as 39 points before eventually stepping on the breaks to run out the clock with 12 minutes still left to play.
The coaching staff was able to get plenty of playing time for the Kats. All 12 players put in double digits in minutes with Ryan Bennett, Shamir McDaniel and Ashton Mitchell playing in over 20 minutes of action.
Ryan Bright led all scorers with 15 points. Bright recorded his third double-double for the season, collecting 12 rebounds to go along with his 15 points in only 17 minutes of action.
Despite the lead, the Kats’ stingy defense didn’t let up. The Kats held Hardin-Simmons to 25.9 percent shooting on the night. This is the third time this season the Bearkats have held their opponents below 30 percent in three convincing wins.
After a short rest this past weekend, the Bearkats are back in action tonight taking on the Div. III Texas Lutheran Bulldogs at Johnson Coliseum at 7 p.m.