HOUSTON (Interstat) — A surging Sam Houston squad looks to continue its strong start when it visits struggling crosstown foe Texas Southern in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Health & P.E. Arena. The Bearkats (5-3) enter having won four of their last five, including a three-game road sweep through Idaho and Idaho State before a competitive 83-93 loss at Oklahoma State on Tuesday. The Tigers (1-5) have faced a brutal early schedule, with their lone win a 102-44 rout of Biblical Studies on Nov. 26. Sam Houston’s offense has found its rhythm, averaging 86.8 points during its recent 4-1 stretch. Guard Po’Boigh King has been a catalyst, coming off a 20-point performance in 31 minutes against Oklahoma State. Over the last five games, King is averaging 12.2 points. He, along with Isaiah Manning (16 points vs. OSU) and Jacob Walker (14 points vs. OSU), provide a balanced scoring attack. Texas Southern, under first-year coach, has been challenged by a slate featuring four road games against high-major opponents (Gonzaga, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Texas State). The Tigers showed offensive life in their win over Biblical Studies, led by forward Ahmed Nedal Abdelrahman’s 18 points. Abdelrahman, who also had nine points at Vanderbilt, will be a key piece if Texas Southern hopes to keep pace. Defense may be the deciding factor. Sam Houston has held opponents under 70 points in three of its wins, while Texas Southern has allowed 93 or more points in four of its five losses. This intrastate matchup offers Sam Houston a chance to solidify its record before a trip to Oregon State on Dec. 17. For Texas Southern, it represents a critical opportunity to build momentum before another tough road stretch at Minnesota and North Carolina State next week. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Houston.