Sam Houston Edges Jacksonville State in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
Sam Houston Bearkats 82, Jacksonville State Gamecocks 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats beat Jacksonville State Gamecocks 82-78 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, the Sam Houston Bearkats triumphed over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with a final score of 82-78. This game was noteworthy not only for its close finish but also for its implications in the NCAAB standings, showcasing the Bearkats' strong home record and the Gamecocks' recent struggles.
Sam Houston entered the game with a solid home record of 19-8, having won nine of their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. Their recent form has been impressive, averaging 79.1 points scored while allowing 71.0 points per game. In their last five games, they maintained an average of 78.4 points scored and 73.8 points allowed. Their most recent victory came against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, where they won 78-70 on February 19.
In contrast, Jacksonville State came into this game with a record of 13-14 and had been struggling, losing their last three games. Over their last ten games, they posted a record of 5-5, averaging 69.9 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. Their last game resulted in a loss to Louisiana Tech, where they fell 71-77 on February 19. The Gamecocks' recent form has not been favorable, and they have averaged 70.6 points scored and 69.8 points allowed in their last five games.
Historically, the Bearkats have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Jacksonville State, holding a 2-1 record against them in the last three encounters. Earlier this season, on January 15, Sam Houston secured a decisive 77-62 victory over the Gamecocks. The previous season also saw the Bearkats win 66-61 at home, while Jacksonville State managed a win in their first meeting of the 2025 season, winning 70-62.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide any specific details about player availability or injuries impacting either team for this matchup. However, the absence of key players can often influence the dynamics of such games, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Sam Houston favored with a spread of -6.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win at home. The total for the game was set at 147.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring environment. The moneyline odds showed Sam Houston at -325, while Jacksonville State was listed at +260, further emphasizing the perceived strength of the Bearkats.
The game was played under typical conditions for a late February evening, with both teams facing the pressures of a tight contest. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with key scoring plays defining the latter stages of the game. Notable moments included Jacob Walker making crucial free throws to keep Jacksonville State in contention, and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil hitting a significant three-pointer to cap off the scoring for the Bearkats.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, but ultimately, Sam Houston's home advantage and recent form allowed them to secure the victory. The Bearkats' ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, as they managed to maintain their lead in the closing moments of the game.
In conclusion, this matchup not only highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams but also set the stage for what lies ahead in the NCAAB landscape. With Sam Houston continuing to build momentum and Jacksonville State seeking to turn their fortunes around, the implications of this game will resonate as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SHSU -6.5 | 147.5 o -108 / u -112 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks +260 · Sam Houston Bearkats -325 |
Leaders
- PointsPo'Boigh King19Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsJacob Walker3Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt10Sam Houston Bearkats
- PointsMostapha El Moutaouakkil38Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- AssistsJaye Nash5Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- ReboundsAC Bryant6Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Recent form
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 9-1Streak W279.1 scored · 71 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W78-70vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 19
- W83-79at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 14
- L78-87at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 7
- W70-66vs UTEP MinersFeb 5
- W83-67vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 1
- W80-71at Missouri State BearsJan 29
- W73-58vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 24
- W93-87vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 22
- W76-63at Florida International PanthersJan 17
- W77-62at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 15
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L369.9 scored · 69.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- L71-77at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 19
- L70-79vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 14
- L64-69vs UTEP MinersFeb 12
- W77-58vs Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 8
- W71-66at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 6
- L67-74at Missouri State BearsJan 31
- W78-74at Florida International PanthersJan 29
- W75-58vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 24
- W64-60vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 17
- L62-77vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | Sam Houston Bearkats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-60 | 26-53 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 7-19 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 37 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 23-28 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 25 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 36 |
| Fouls | 22 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 29 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-54Jaye Nash makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Jaye Nash makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-56Matt Dann makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half44-58Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half47-58Jaye Nash makes 28-foot three point jumper (Thomas Tut assists)
- 2nd Half49-58Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup
- 2nd Half52-58Jamar Franklin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half55-58Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half55-59Po'Boigh King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-60Po'Boigh King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Jamar Franklin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Toby Nnadozie assists)
- 2nd Half60-60Jamar Franklin makes layup (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half60-61Veljko Ilic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Kashie Natt makes layup (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half61-63Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-68Po'Boigh King makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half66-68AC Bryant makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-69Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup
- 2nd Half69-70Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-73Po'Boigh King makes 27-foot three point jumper (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half70-73Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Jacob Walker makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-76Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-76Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half73-77Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-78Jaye Nash makes layup
- 2nd Half75-79Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-80Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-81Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-82Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-82Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Sam Houston Bearkats, below favours Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
Venue
- Bernard G. Johnson ColiseumHuntsville, TX
- Attendance852
- OfficialsRodrick Dixon, Devyn Page, James Gibson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond