NCAAB · Final

Sam Houston Bearkats Defeat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 78-70

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum

Sam Houston Bearkats 78, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 70, 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 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Sam Houston Bearkats?

Sam Houston Bearkats beat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 78-70 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on February 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Sam Houston Bearkats?

Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Sam Houston Bearkats secured a 78-70 victory over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. This win marked a continuation of Sam Houston's strong home performance, improving their home record to 14-3 this season. The Bearkats have been formidable at home, showcasing an impressive record of 18-8 overall, while the Blue Raiders fell to 12-14 with this loss.

Sam Houston entered the game with an 8-2 record over their last ten games, currently riding a one-game winning streak. They averaged 78.7 points scored per game during this stretch, while allowing 72.2 points. Their recent form has been particularly strong, with a scoring average of 78.8 and an average of 74.0 points allowed in their last five games. The Bearkats' last game resulted in a win against Kennesaw State Owls, where they triumphed 83-79.

On the other hand, Middle Tennessee has struggled recently, with a 3-7 record in their last ten outings and currently on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 73.2 points scored and allowed 76.8 points during this period. Their last game was a narrow loss to Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, finishing 80-82. In their last five games, the Blue Raiders have averaged 80.4 points scored but have allowed a concerning 82.2 points.

In their previous meetings, Sam Houston has faced challenges against Middle Tennessee, losing all three matchups in the last two seasons. The most recent encounter on January 4, 2026, ended with a narrow defeat of 67-68. The Bearkats were eager to turn the tide in this matchup, and they managed to do so successfully.

The game featured a competitive atmosphere, as both teams battled for dominance. The Bearkats were able to leverage their home-court advantage effectively, and their scoring was bolstered by key plays in the second half. Notable moments included a series of free throws from Po'Boigh King and a highlight alley-oop dunk by Kashie Natt, showcasing the Bearkats' offensive prowess.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details regarding player availability for either team, but the overall health of the squads can often influence game outcomes at this stage of the season.

The betting market reflected the Bearkats as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 151.5. The odds indicated a belief in a competitive game, but the performance on the court ultimately confirmed Sam Houston's status as the stronger team on this occasion.

As for game conditions, the Bearkats played in front of their home crowd, which likely contributed to their performance. The atmosphere in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum was charged, providing a significant boost to the home side.

Viewers should have noted the Bearkats' ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the second half, where they maintained composure and capitalized on scoring opportunities. The final score of 78-70 not only reflects the Bearkats' offensive capabilities but also their defensive efforts to contain the Blue Raiders, particularly in critical moments of the game.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	SHSU -3.5	151.5 o -115 / u -105	Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders +154 · Sam Houston Bearkats -185

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsJacob Walker20Sam Houston Bearkats
AssistsVeljko Ilic5Sam Houston Bearkats
ReboundsVeljko Ilic9Sam Houston Bearkats
PointsTorey Alston16Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
AssistsJahvin Carter6Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
ReboundsChris Loofe7Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

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