Bearkat WBB Aims For First SLC Win

Courtesy: Paul Ridings, Jr., SHSU Sports Information

Huntsville-Sophomore Amanda Barnes and true freshman Kristina Smith made their first appearance in the starting lineup this season Thursday night for the Sam Houston women’s basketball team.

The pair combined for 29 points to help the Bearkats come from 12 points down to within a basket of catching McNeese State.

The Cowgirls held on for a 59-55 victory, but the new offensive punch has women’s head coach Brenda Nicholls excited.

“Amanda and Kristina did a really nice job for us,” Nicholls said. “They have no fear. They both bring a lot to the table for us.”

The Bearkats play host to Nicholls State Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in an important Southland Conference tilt for both squads.

Saturday is Double Dave’s Double Header pizza day.

Double Dave’s is the host for an after the game party following the women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader.

Sam Houston’s defending league co-champions are 0-3 in Southland action.

The Kats started non-conference action with a 5-2 mark but have lost their last seven games.

Nicholls is 2-1 and tied for third place in the early season going in Southland play.

The Colonels stand 7-7 for the year.

Down 34-25 to McNeese at intermission Thursday, the Bearkats looked like they may have found their shooting touch again in the second half.

Sam Houston canned five three-point shots in the closing minutes of the game.

Junior 6-3 post Angela Beadle is averaging 14.8 points for the season and 12.3 points in conference.

Johnson also is scoring in double figures with an 11.6 mean.

Emani White, a 5-4 sophomore guard, is the Colonels’ top offensive threat.

White is scoring 19.0 points a game and has hit 35 treys this year.

Saturday’s women’s game will be broadcast live on KHVL 104.9 the Hits and streamed live on www.gobearkats.com .

Next action for the Bearkat women will be a trip to Southeastern Louisiana and New Orleans next Thursday and Saturday.