Houston, TX, January 2, 2026
Sam Houston Athletics kicks off Conference USA play this week for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The women’s team is set to challenge Louisiana Tech while the men begin their journey against WKU. These early games are a testament to the teams’ rigorous training and reflect the commitment of student-athletes and community supporters. As the Bearkats aim for success, the focus remains on fostering personal growth and competitive excellence across the Texas sports landscape.
Houston, TX — Sam Houston Athletics is poised for a dynamic start to the new year as both its women’s and men’s basketball programs tip off Conference USA play this week, signaling a renewed commitment to competitive excellence and community engagement across the state. The women’s team is set to face Louisiana Tech in a critical “Game 12 Preview” matchup, while the men’s squad embarks on its own conference journey. These contests highlight the dedication of student-athletes and the robust support systems that fuel collegiate sports in Texas.
The spirit of enterprise and disciplined effort, hallmarks of both academic and athletic pursuits, will be on full display as the Bearkats look to assert their dominance in Conference USA. These early conference games are not just about wins and losses; they represent the culmination of diligent training, strategic planning, and a collective drive for achievement that resonates throughout the Sam Houston State University community and beyond. Such competitive endeavors foster individual growth and contribute significantly to the vibrant sports culture that thrives on private initiative and community backing.
Bearkats Women Eye Conference Opener Against Louisiana Tech
The Sam Houston women’s basketball team, boasting a formidable 7-4 overall record, is prepared to commence its Conference USA schedule with a road challenge against Louisiana Tech on Friday, January 2, 2026. The pivotal “Game 12 Preview” is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CT tipoff at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, Louisiana. Fans can follow the action nationally on ESPN+ or tune into the Bearkat Sports Network and the Bearkat Athletics app, featuring Stephanie Keele on the call.
Sam Houston enters conference play on the heels of a dominant 110-38 victory over Dallas, marking the third-largest margin of victory in Bearkat history. This performance saw the Kats reach triple digits for the first time since the 2023-24 season, shooting an impressive 62 percent from the field. Key individual performances against Dallas included Fanta Kone tying her career high with 22 points, along with eight rebounds and eight assists, and Blessing Okoh and Kaylie Carr each setting new career highs with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Bearkats’ defensive prowess has been a defining characteristic of their season. The team leads Conference USA in steals and ranks sixth nationally with a 15.8 steals margin. They also excel in forcing turnovers, leading CUSA and ranking second nationally with 28.36 forced turnovers per game, contributing to a 9.8 turnover margin that places them 16th nationwide. Fanta Kone is tied for ninth nationally with 3.73 steals per game, while Deborah Ogayemi is 20th with 3.36.
Louisiana Tech, also holding a 7-4 overall record, presents a formidable challenge, particularly on their home court where they are undefeated this season with a 7-0 record and a 10-game home winning streak. The Lady Techsters recently secured a decisive 97-24 victory over Central Baptist, showcasing their defensive strength by holding opponents scoreless for an extended period. Their offense leads Conference USA in five categories, averaging 78.2 points per game and 16.4 assists per game, resulting in a 15.2-point margin. Paris Bradley leads Louisiana Tech with 14.1 points per game, complemented by Jordan Marshall, who averages 13.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, ranking third nationally in offensive rebounds. The historical series favors Louisiana Tech with a 6-1 record.
Men’s Basketball Kicks Off CUSA Play
The Sam Houston men’s basketball team also begins its Conference USA schedule with a challenging road trip. On Friday, January 2, 2026, the Bearkats will travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face WKU at 4:00 p.m. CT. This opening game marks the start of a crucial conference stretch that will test the team’s resolve and strategic depth. Following the WKU matchup, the Bearkats are scheduled to play Middle Tennessee on January 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The men’s team currently holds a 7-4 overall record. Conference USA is recognized for its competitive basketball environment, with Sam Houston leading the league in NET rankings, sitting at 85 nationally. The Bearkats, along with Louisiana Tech, are noted as two of the best rebounding teams in the conference, emphasizing a physical and assertive style of play. The value of competition within such a strong conference underscores the initiative taken by each program to build robust teams capable of performing at elite levels.
The Drive for Athletic Excellence in Texas
Sam Houston State University’s commitment to athletic excellence extends beyond the scoreboard, embodying the principles of personal perseverance and responsible growth. The university supports 18 varsity teams, providing more than 400 student-athletes with resources designed for success in academics, competition, and community engagement. This comprehensive approach is foundational to developing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Programs such as the Bearkat Champions Fund play a crucial role, allowing private investment to directly enhance the resources available to student-athletes. This fund underpins the university’s ability to cover essential costs like travel, equipment, and training, ensuring that each sport can achieve its highest potential. Such private sector involvement exemplifies a commitment to fostering achievement and competitive spirit, echoing the free-market principles that drive success in broader society. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) further champions a quality academic and athletic experience, encouraging student leadership and communication between athletes, coaches, and administrators. Sam Houston’s athletic department has a storied history of success, including capturing the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup seven times and winning the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship. These achievements are a testament to sustained initiative and strategic development.
Economic & Community Vibrancy Through Sports
College athletics serves as a significant economic and cultural engine for Houston, TX, and the wider state. Major sporting events, such as the annual “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry football game between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, consistently draw substantial crowds to NRG Stadium in Houston. This event alone brings approximately 20,000 Sam Houston fans to the city, generating economic activity and fostering a strong sense of community identity.
The presence of strong university athletic programs like Sam Houston’s contributes to the broader Texas sports landscape, providing entertainment and a platform for showcasing local talent and institutional pride. The emphasis on self-reliance and community support, exemplified by initiatives like the Bearkat Champions Fund, empowers university programs to thrive. This model of support ensures sustained growth and competitiveness, solidifying the role of college athletics as a cornerstone of state-level sports and a driver of local economies. These programs not only develop athletes but also instill values of teamwork, discipline, and community strength, which are vital for the continued progress of our society.
As Sam Houston Athletics embarks on its Conference USA basketball journey, the focus remains on personal perseverance, strategic competition, and the unifying power of sports. We encourage all Houston TX sports enthusiasts and Bearkat supporters to engage with these exciting teams, whether by watching games, supporting student athletics, or spreading the word about the achievements of these dedicated young men and women. Your continued involvement is a vital component of their ongoing success and the vibrant future of college basketball in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What game is the Sam Houston women’s basketball team playing on January 2, 2026?
A: The Sam Houston women’s basketball team will open Conference USA play against Louisiana Tech in their “Game 12 Preview” on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Q: Where will the Sam Houston women’s basketball game against Louisiana Tech be held?
A: The game will be held at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, Louisiana.
Q: How can I watch or listen to the Sam Houston women’s basketball game?
A: The game will be aired nationally on ESPN+ and can also be heard online on the Bearkat Sports Network and the Bearkat Athletics app.
Q: What is the Sam Houston women’s basketball team’s record heading into conference play?
A: The Sam Houston women’s basketball team holds a 7-4 overall record.
Q: What are some key strengths of the Sam Houston women’s basketball team?
A: Sam Houston leads Conference USA in steals and forced turnovers, ranking sixth nationally in steals margin (15.8) and second nationally in forced turnovers per game (28.36).
Q: What is the record for the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team?
A: The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters also hold a 7-4 overall record.
Q: Is Louisiana Tech strong at home in women’s basketball?
A: Yes, Louisiana Tech is undefeated at home this season with a 7-0 record and a 10-game home winning streak.
Q: When is the Sam Houston men’s basketball team playing its first Conference USA game?
A: The Sam Houston men’s basketball team will play its first Conference USA game on Friday, January 2, 2026, at WKU at 4:00 p.m. CT.
Q: What is the Sam Houston men’s basketball team’s overall record?
A: The Sam Houston men’s basketball team currently has a 7-4 overall record.
Q: How does Sam Houston Athletics support its student-athletes?
A: Sam Houston Athletics provides resources for over 400 student-athletes across 18 varsity teams, focusing on academic success, professional skills, and community involvement, partly through programs like the Bearkat Champions Fund.
Feature Table: Sam Houston Athletics Key Matchups & Stats
| Event | Date | Time (CT) | Opponent | Location | Sam Houston Record | Opponent Record | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball Game 12 Preview | Jan. 2, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | at Louisiana Tech | Thomas Assembly Center, Ruston, La. | 7-4 (0-0 CUSA) | 7-4 (0-0 CUSA) | ESPN+, Bearkat Sports Network |
| Men’s Basketball CUSA Opener | Jan. 2, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | at WKU | Bowling Green, Ky. | 7-4 Overall | (WKU’s record varies, typically strong CUSA team) | (Information not fully specified, but usually available through CUSA networks) |
| Men’s Basketball CUSA Game | Jan. 4, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | at Middle Tennessee | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | 7-4 Overall | 7-5 (1-0 CUSA) | (Information not fully specified, but usually available through CUSA networks) |
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