Bearkats MBB And WBB Aims For Strong Finish

Courtesy: Paul Ridings, Jr., SHSU Sports Information

With two weeks to go in the regular season, every game is important as both the Bearkat men’s and women’s basketball teams battle to position themselves for the Southland Conference tournament.

Sam Houston hosts Nicholls State Thursday at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum with the women tipping at 5:30 p.m. and the men following at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The Bearkat men (14-13, 7-7) rank fifth in the Southland race, one game behind Southeastern Louisiana.

Each of the top four seeds receive a first round bye in the Southland Tournament to be held at the Ferrell Center in Katy March 13-16.

Nicholls (7-18, 6-8) is a game behind the Kats in the standings.

The Colonels defeated Sam Houston 70-67 in overtime in their first meeting in Thibodaux, La., on Jan. 26.

Sam Houston has been getting solid scoring performances from James Thomas who has put up double figure performances in each of the last four games including 26 points at Central Arkansas.

While the Sam Houston women are one-half game behind league leader Oral Roberts in the standings, the Bearkat women hold their Southland fate in their own hands.

If the Bearkats can win their final four games, the women can do no worse than tie for the 2013 Southland Conference women’s regular season title and assure themselves of at least a top two seed.

Seniors Britni Martin, Sequeena Thomas and Chanice Smith account for 28.9 of Sam Houston’s 60.9 points per game.

Sam Houston defeated the Nicholls women in Thibodaux 70-63 earlier this year.

The Bearkats lead the all-time series with Nicholls 30 victories to 18 and have won the last four meetings in a row.

Fans may order tickets to the doubleheader on-line at www.gobearkats.com or call the ticket office at (936) 294-1729.

The women’s game will be broadcast live on 104.5 FM The Hits.

The mens’ game will air on KSAM 101.7 FM.