Sam Houston State delivered a resounding 83-67 victory over Louisiana Tech at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, exceeding the predicted margin of 8 points. Jacob Walker led the charge for the Bearkats, scoring 20 points to pace the team. The win marked a significant Q4 victory for Sam Houston State, boosting their resume in the process.
The first half saw a closely contested matchup, with Sam Houston State taking a slim 34-32 lead into the break. However, the Bearkats exploded in the second half, outscoring Louisiana Tech 49-35 to pull away for the convincing win. Po'Boigh King and Veljko Ilic provided strong support for Walker, chipping in 15 and 14 points, respectively, with Ilic also grabbing 8 rebounds.
On the other side, DJ Dudley was the lone bright spot for Louisiana Tech, scoring a game-high 21 points. Scooter Williams added 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Melian Martinez contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs were unable to keep pace with Sam Houston State's high-powered offense.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The CHD Scout's pre-game prediction of Sam Houston State winning by 8 points proved accurate, albeit conservative, as the Bearkats ultimately won by 16. The predicted score of 76-68 also underestimated the Bearkats' scoring prowess. The actual outcome was a reflection of Sam Houston State's strength and depth, as they controlled the game from start to finish.
This victory marked a crucial Q4 win for Sam Houston State, which will undoubtedly bolster their tournament resume. With a current net ranking of 97, the Bearkats are solidifying their position as a formidable mid-major program. In contrast, the loss was a Q2 game for Louisiana Tech, which, although not detrimental, does little to enhance their tournament prospects. The Bulldogs, currently ranked 247 in the net rankings, must regroup and focus on securing more notable wins to strengthen their resume.
As the season progresses, Sam Houston State's impressive performance against Louisiana Tech will be a key talking point in their tournament candidacy. The Bearkats' ability to dominate a respectable opponent like the Bulldogs demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in the postseason. With this win, Sam Houston State has taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of a tournament berth, and their resume is now more formidable than ever.