The Sam Houston State University Bearkats earned their first victory of the season in their home opener Friday night against Dallas Christian College with a score of 117-42.

The victory broke the previous school record for largest victory, which was set in the 1970-71 season when the Bearkats defeated Texas Lutheran with a score of 131-71.

The dominating victory came behind a number of players putting up impressive offensive numbers, including junior guard Zach Nutall who led the team with 20 points. The team had four other players in double-digits, including junior forward Tristan Ikpe who scored a career high 13 points and was one rebound away from a double-double.

Senior guard Demarkus Lampley was the team’s second leading scorer of the game with 17 points.

The team shot an outstanding 56.8% from the field last night and forced 41 total turnovers which accounted for 51 of the Bearkats’ points.

The Bearkats were able to take a commanding 56-24 lead into halftime, but they refused to take their foot off the gas. The Bearkats came out and scored 61 points in the second half which included a 26-4 run that opened the second half.

The Bearkats also defeated Howard Payne University Sunday evening with another dominating score of 117-54.

Lampley and Nutall were the team’s leading scorers once again, with each scoring 20 points a piece.

The Bearkats (2-3) will next face off against the #7 ranked University of Houston Cougars (4-0) Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in Houston.