HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Sam Houston used a dominant second half to overcome a double-digit deficit and defeat Northern Colorado 65-56 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Monday afternoon at Johnson Coliseum. The visiting Bears led 27-21 at halftime and maintained a 41-40 edge after three quarters. The Bearkats seized control with a 25-point fourth quarter, outscoring Northern Colorado by 10 in the period to secure the win. Deborah Ogayemi led Sam Houston with 15 points and eight rebounds. Neenah George scored a game-high 18 points for Northern Colorado. Attendance was 424. Sam Houston improved to 6-4. Northern Colorado fell to 9-4.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless defensive pressure and a staggering 58 combined turnovers, the Sam Houston Bearkats overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Northern Colorado Bears 65-56 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Monday afternoon at Johnson Coliseum. The most important part of the game was a decisive second-half surge by the home team. After trailing by as many as nine points in the first half and entering halftime down 27-21, Sam Houston outscored Northern Colorado 44-29 over the final two quarters. The Bearkats seized control with a 19-point third quarter, erasing the deficit and building a lead they would not relinquish, fueled by a defensive effort that forced 35 Northern Colorado turnovers. Sam Houston improved to 6-4 overall, while Northern Colorado fell to 9-4. The game’s opening minutes set a chaotic tone, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The first points did not come until the 8:28 mark of the first quarter when Sam Houston’s Fanta Kone converted a layup. Northern Colorado’s defense was disruptive early, generating several steals, but the Bears could not capitalize consistently, committing 10 turnovers of their own in the period. Despite the sloppy play, Northern Colorado managed to build a 14-9 lead after one quarter, thanks in part to a late three-pointer from Heather Baymon. The Bears extended their lead to nine points in the second quarter, going ahead 20-11 on another Baymon three-pointer with 8:35 remaining. Sam Houston’s offense continued to sputter, but the Bearkats stayed within striking distance by getting to the free-throw line and capitalizing on Northern Colorado mistakes. A jumper from Whitney Dunn just before the halftime buzzer cut the Bears’ lead to 27-21 at the break. Both teams shot under 35% from the field in the half, with the 27 combined turnovers overshadowing any offensive execution. The momentum shifted irrevocably in the third quarter. Sam Houston emerged from the locker room with increased defensive intensity, turning Northern Colorado’s ball-handling issues into immediate transition opportunities. The Bearkats opened the period on an 8-2 run to tie the game at 29, spearheaded by Nyla Inmon and Deborah Ogayemi. Northern Colorado briefly regained a two-point lead, but Sam Houston closed the quarter on a 14-5 run to take a 40-38 advantage into the final frame. Ogayemi was instrumental in the period, scoring eight points and coming up with key steals. Sam Houston put the game away in the fourth quarter with its most efficient offensive stretch. The Bearkats opened the period on a 12-4 run, pushing their lead to double digits for the first time at 52-42 with 5:20 remaining. Northern Colorado, plagued by turnovers and rushed shots, could not mount a sustained comeback. The Bears cut the deficit to seven points on several occasions but could get no closer as Sam Houston sealed the victory at the free-throw line, scoring 25 points in the final quarter. Ogayemi, a guard from Waterford, Ireland, led all scorers with 15 points for Sam Houston, adding eight rebounds and two assists. Inmon, from Tyler, Texas, provided 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kone, from Bamako, Mali, contributed eight points, four rebounds and five assists, while Dunn from Chicago added 12 points and seven rebounds. For Northern Colorado, Neenah George of Dallas led the way with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Baymon, from Phoenix, scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds. Gabi Fields of Brownfield, Texas, finished with 10 points and four assists. Statistically, the game was a battle of attrition. Sam Houston shot 38% from the field, making just 2 of 11 from three-point range, but compensated by attempting 29 free throws, making 21. Northern Colorado shot a better percentage at 44% but took 14 fewer shots, a direct result of their 35 turnovers. The Bears were also hampered by poor three-point shooting, connecting on only 3 of 11 attempts. Sam Houston won the turnover battle, committing 23, and held a slight edge in steals, 19-17. The announced attendance was 424. Northern Colorado returns home to begin Big Sky Conference play against Montana State on Jan. 1. Sam Houston continues its homestand against Dallas on Dec. 28 before opening Conference USA action on the road at Louisiana Tech on Jan. 2.

Preview: Northern Colorado Bears at Sam Houston Bearkats HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A pair of teams trending in opposite directions will meet Monday when the Northern Colorado women’s basketball team visits Sam Houston. The Bears (9-3) enter Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum riding a wave of momentum, having won four of their last five games. Their most recent victory was a 57-47 road win at UC Davis on Saturday. Guard Neenah George led the way with 22 points, continuing a strong stretch where she has averaged 14.3 points over her last six contests. Julia Riley added 14 points in the win. Northern Colorado has shown resilience, with two overtime victories already this season, but will look to improve upon a 1-2 record in true road games. The host Bearkats (5-4), meanwhile, seek to halt a three-game skid. All three losses came against formidable opponents: SMU, Alabama and Rice. In Friday’s 73-69 home loss to SMU, guard Fanta Kone posted 13 points and seven assists. Kone has been a consistent facilitator, averaging 5.4 assists over Sam Houston’s last five games, but the team has struggled offensively during its losing streak, failing to reach 70 points. This non-conference matchup presents a stark contrast in current form. Northern Colorado’s defense has been key, holding opponents to an average of 58.8 points during its 4-1 run. Sam Houston must find more scoring balance beyond Kone and forward Aysia Ward-Strong to challenge the Bears. For Northern Colorado, this game is a final tune-up before opening Big Sky Conference play on Jan. 1. Sam Houston views it as a critical opportunity to regain confidence before its Conference USA schedule begins in January. Tip-off is set for Monday, Dec. 22.