HUNTSVILLE - Struggling to connect shots in the field in the last half of the game, the Huskies fall 57-88 to the Sam Houston Bearkats on Wednesday evening in Huntsville at Johnsnon Coliseum.
The Huskies (6-5, 2-2 SLC) began the first with a fast break layup from N'Denasija Collins and a three pointer from Kennedy Wilson. Both teams exchanged points back and forth until the Bearkats (8-5,4-3 SLC) went on a 9-4 push getting a five-point lead on the Huskies. With a couple of free throws from Wilson, Sam Houston was up 23-20 after the first. Timia Jefferson started the second period off strong with a steal and fast break layup to get the Huskies back in close, but the Bearkats pushed a six-point lead. After another Jefferson layup and a layup from Collins, the Kats pushed another six-point lead. Struggling to score from the field by the Huskies, the Kats went into the half leading 39-30.
Coming out of the half the Huskies continued to struggle from the field and Sam Houston was able to gain a 14-point lead. After a free throw from Jefferson, the Huskies were unable to connect to the basket and were down by 26. Wilson made a second chance jumper with a minute and a half remaining after reentering the game although in foul trouble. The Kats hold the Huskies to finish the period with a 23-point lead. Still struggling to put in shots from the field, the Huskies were down 39-71. Collins added two layups with five minutes remaining. HBU was able to contribute a couple second chance layups and a three-pointer from Jefferson, but after a couple of free throws from Julija Vujakovic, the Bearkats were able to close out with a final score of 88-57.
The Huskies were led by Jefferson with 20 points and Collins with 12 points and five rebounds. Kennedy added 10 points and 4 rebounds and Marilyn Nzoiwu contributed with her leading eight rebounds. Entering late in the third, Armani Reed posted six boards. The Huskies shot 34 percent from the field and went 21-for-34 at the line.
The Bearkats had four players in double digits. Amber Leggett led with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals. Courtney Cleveland contributed 18 points and six rebounds with Diamond Hunter close behind with 17 points and six rebounds. Faith Cook added 10 points and Madelyn Batista posted eight boards. Sam Houston shot 46.3 percent from the field, went 21-for-35 at the line, and forced 29 HBU turnovers.
The Huskies next see action with a trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana to face off for the second time this season against Northwestern State Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. at Prather Coliseum.
