BEAUMONT — Sam Houston took a flurry of shots from Lamar early but used the second half to surge past the Cardinals 85-72 at the Neches Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Bearkats (2-2) pulled to .500 on the season with the victory which saw a far better outcome than Tuesday’s loss at No. 12 Baylor. Sam Houston led from the onset and withstood several charges by Lamar (1-2) which lost 97-71 to No. 23 Texas A&M this past Monday.
Kalifa Sakho had a career day for the Bearkats. The Utah State transfer more than tripled his previous best with 22 points and had a career high six boards. Lamar Wilkerson produced a new career best with 28 points on 6 of 10 shooting from 3-point range.
The Bearkats were trying to run away with it in the first half, building a 31-23 lead on a 3 by Marcus Boykin and a layup by Jaxson Ford with five minutes to go in the first period. The Cardinals were able to close the half with a 7-0 run to get within 41-37.
Sam Houston came out clicking to begin the second half. Wilkerson hit three unanswered 3s and it was all Bearkats from there with a 50-39 lead which ultimately put the game on ice.
Sam Houston will play its first home game of the season when Trinity comes to Johnson Coliseum on Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. tip.
