Sam Houston faced conference leader Middle Tennessee State for Senior Night on Saturday at Johnson Coliseum. 

The Bearkats were unable to secure a win in their last home game of the season, losing 59-46. This was still an improvement from the 66-38 defeat they suffered when the two teams played earlier this season. 

After the game, the team’s five seniors—Kaila Kelly, Annika Corcoran, Kyleigh McGuire, Deborah Ogayemi and Sydnee Kemp—were celebrated for what they have provided to the program. Head coach Ravon Justice reconciled the emotions with one of the reasons she loves coaching at Sam Houston. 

“It’s a family,” she said. “I understand that once the ball stops bouncing, that doesn’t mean they’re going to stop being part of my basketball family.” 

The Bearkats had a strong first half, performing well defensively against the height advantage the Blue Raiders had as they forced 13 turnovers. Senior Sydnee Kemp was first to score for Sam Houston, knocking down a three-pointer. 

MTSU took a 31-22 lead into halftime. 

The second half proved more difficult as Sam Houston struggled to maintain possession, recording eight turnovers with just seven points in the third quarter. As the game came to an end, the Bearkats fought to cut the deficit from 19 to 11 points. 

SHSU shot 14-of-50 from the field, while forcing 23 turnovers on defense. When asked about the performance, Coach Ravon Justice commented “we are paying great defense, we just gotta figure out to how to put the balls in the hole and be consistent with it.” 

The Bearkats will finish off the last three games on the road, taking on Louisiana Tech on Thursday, followed by trips to UTEP and New Mexico State.