Kaheem Ransom was 8 of 12 from the floor for 20 points as Sam Houston State started strong and rolled to an 87-64 victory over Houston Baptist on Saturday night.
Sam Houston State, which has won six straight and 15 of its last 16, now sits atop the Southland Conference following Stephen F. Austin's 71-63 loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday night. Sam Houston (20-5, 11-1) and SFA (20-4, 10-1) will play again on March 27. SFA won the first meeting 79-68.
The Bearkats blew out to a 20-9 lead midway of the first half, were up 55-27 at the half, and coasted to the win.
Dakarai Henderson had 13 points, DeMarcus Gatlin added 12 and Paul Baxter chipped in 11 for SHSU, which now has had 20-win seasons for the seventh time in Division I play.
Anthony Odunsi led Houston Baptist (11-11, 6-6) with 13 and Jourdan Sticker added 11.
