Sam Houston State bested ACU, 82-76, in overtime despite its second half comeback.
Freshman forward Airion Simmons missed a game-winning jump shot behind the free throw line as time expired. In overtime, Sam Houston State (14-6, 7-2 SLC) outscored the Wildcats, 14-8.
Senior forward Kai Mitchell led the way for the Bearkats with 27 points on 8-12 shooting and three blocks.
ACU (10-8, 5-2 SLC) got off to a quick start outscoring Sam Houston State, 10-3 in the first five minutes.
It wasn’t until 4:18 left in the first half when the Bearkats grabbed its first lead of the game. They would go on a 22-8 run to close the half with a 39-35 advantage.
Junior guard Coryon Mason finished with a career-high 19 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Wildcats.
Working from behind, ACU found themselves in an nine-point deficit. Throughout the second half, the Wildcats inched its way back into the game, tying the game 67-67 with 1:42 remaining.
In overtime, the Bearkats never trailed, connecting on all three shot attempts. Meanwhile, the Wildcats went 1-6 and turned the ball over twice.
The Optimist was unable to interview the team for quotes.
Up next, the Wildcats continue its long road trip. They travel to Conway, Arkansas to face Central Arkansas (5-14, 4-4 SLC) Saturday at 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sam Houston State gets a week off until next Wednesday. They’ll host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (8-12, 4-5 SLC).
