STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The Texans took the Bearkats down to the wire on Saturday night, but a low free throw percentage results in a 64-59 loss.
 
Tarleton (14-14, 8-8 WAC) jumped on the scoreboard early, courtesy of a catch-and-shoot three-pointer from Lue Williams.
 
Sam Houston (20-6, 10-4 WAC) responded with an 8-2 run to take a seven-point lead over the first five minutes of the half. Williams had an answer though, hitting consecutive three-pointers to tie the game up at 12.
 
The Bearkats worked their lead back up to seven points before an 8-0 run from the Texans gave them a one-point advantage.
 
The teams traded three-pointers to stay neck-and-neck, but a strong finish from Sam Houston reestablished their seven-point lead over the Texans at the half.
 
Both teams came out swinging to start the second half, sinking multiple shots from range and putting on a show for the Wisdom Gym crowd.
 
With 10 minutes left in the game, a second-chance layup from Freddy Hicks tied the game up at 46 all. 
 
The Bearkats grew their lead to a game-high of 11 points with just under three minutes left in regulation. Tarleton struck back however, cutting the Sam Houston lead to just three points with under a minute to play.
 
The Texans enacted a full-court press on the Bearkats, but earlier free throw struggles came to haunt them as Sam Houston narrowly edged out a 64-59 win over Tarleton.
 
Tarleton was led in scoring by Hicks who picked up 15 of his 18 total points in the second half. He also had a team-high seven rebounds.
 
Shamir Bogues and Williams both earned 12 points for the game, with Williams hitting all four of his three-pointers in the first half of play.
 
Jakorie Smith picked up 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Coreyoun Rushin scored four points with two rebounds and assists a piece. Shakur Daniel dished out a team-high four assists and earned three points.
 
Tarleton will stay at home for the next game on Thursday, facing the Utah Valley Wolverines for the first time this season. The Texans will be recognizing their fraternities and sororities through Greek Night and will be giving out free koozies to those in attendance. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can also listen in on KTRL 90.5 FM.