The Sam Houston women’s basketball team won its fifth game in Conference USA with a 70-51 victory over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Thursday night at Johnson Coliseum. 

The Bearkats, who entered the night on a two-game losing streak, improved their record to 12-6 and 5-2 in Conference USA play. They have now moved to third place in the standings. 

Fanta Kone led the team in scoring with 16 points and two steals, while Nyla Inmon and Aysia Ward-Strong both recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite the impact of Ward-Strong, Kone, and Inmon, both Inmon and head coach Ravon Justice emphasized the production off the bench in securing the win over Jax State. 

“I just love when people come off the bench and produce,” Inmon said. “Everybody fights hard at practice; everybody deserves their time to shine.” 

Justice agreed and highlighted Junior guard Esther Rodellar’s defensive production off the bench. 

“That was probably our best defender tonight,” Justice said. “I don’t think anybody got past Esther at all.” 

Rodellar finished with eight points along with six rebounds and two steals off the bench in the 70-51 victory. 

The Bearkats had a slow start in the first quarter but came back in the second quarter, outscoring Jacksonville State 23-11. They continued to dominate the rest of the game, outscoring the Gamecocks 27-17 in the second half. 

Sam Houston will return to the Johnson Coliseum on Saturday at 2 p.m. to take on Kennesaw State. The game will be aired on ESPN+.