Bearkats defeats Bulldogs 74-58

The Sam Houston State Bearkat men’s basketball team defeated Samford Bulldogs by the score of 74-58. They are now 5-8 for the season and are undefeated at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.

“It’s a huge win for us,” head basketball coach Jason Hooten said. “Adversity is what makes us play strong and playing one of the toughest schedules in the United States is going to make us better.”

Sophomore transfer guard DeMarcus Gatlin led the Kats with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and a steal. Junior transfer guard Darius Gatson contributed with 17 points, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds.

The Bearkats came out of the gate and went on a 14-6 run and ended the first half by the score of 39-22.

In the second half, the Bulldogs came out strong as they went on a 14-3 run in the first 8 minutes of the half to cut the Bearkat lead to 47-43. The Bearkats answered with an 8-0 run to increase the lead to 55-43 and would go on to win the game by the score of 74-58.

Freshman guard Brandon Hayman led the Bulldogs with 10 points, 1 rebound and an assist while freshman guard Devin McNeil contributed with 9 points and a rebound.

The Bearkats shot 40.8% from the field while they shot 75.7% from the free throw line. They converted 30 points off the Bulldogs turnovers that was the difference in the game.

The Bearkats last non-conference game will be against Jarvis Christian on January 2, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Johnson Coliseum right before they open up Southland Conference play against the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners on January 8 at 1 p.m. For more information on the team, visit gobearkats.com.