Sam Houston Dominates Western Kentucky in Home Victory
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
Sam Houston Bearkats 73, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 58, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats beat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 73-58 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, the Sam Houston Bearkats secured a commanding 73-58 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant turnaround for the Bearkats, who had lost to Western Kentucky earlier in the season. The win also extended Sam Houston's current winning streak to four games, showcasing their recent form and resilience.
Entering this game, Sam Houston held a home record of 13-7, while Western Kentucky had an away record of 11-9. The Bearkats had been performing well recently, finishing their last ten games with a record of 6-4 and an average of 83.0 points scored per game, while allowing 74.3 points. Their last five games reflected a strong offensive output, averaging 78.4 points, as they had won four of those contests. In contrast, the Hilltoppers had a more mixed performance, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They averaged 77.1 points scored but allowed 73.6 points, and they entered the game on a two-game losing streak.
The Bearkats' home performance has been particularly strong, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games. They have shown an ability to score effectively at home, which was evident in their recent game against Kennesaw State, where they won 93-87. Conversely, Western Kentucky's away record was less favorable, at 1-2 in their last three away games, which likely contributed to their struggles in this matchup.
In terms of previous meetings, this game was the third encounter between the two teams in the current season. Earlier in the season, on January 2, Sam Houston lost to Western Kentucky 91-102, but they rebounded with this strong performance. The Bearkats had also faced the Hilltoppers in the previous season, winning a game on February 21, 2025, by a score of 78-62. This history added an extra layer of motivation for Sam Houston as they sought to even the score.
Injury concerns were not prominently noted in the block, indicating that both teams likely fielded their strongest lineups for this critical contest. This absence of significant injuries may have contributed to the competitive nature of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Sam Houston favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Bearkats' ability to perform at home, as they were listed with a moneyline of -230, while Western Kentucky was at +190.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere likely contributing to the home team's performance. The Bearkats' crowd support played a role in their ability to maintain momentum throughout the game.
As the game unfolded, Sam Houston established control early and maintained their lead. Key scoring plays included a series of three-point shots from LJ Hackman, who made a 29-foot jumper and a 24-foot three-point jumper, contributing significantly to the Bearkats' offensive output. The scoring from Hackman and others helped to build a comfortable lead that Western Kentucky struggled to overcome.
In conclusion, Sam Houston's victory over Western Kentucky not only showcased their strong home performance but also highlighted their ability to bounce back from previous defeats. With their current form and scoring capabilities, the Bearkats have positioned themselves as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SHSU -5.5 | 156.5 o -110 / u -110 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +190 · Sam Houston Bearkats -230 |
Leaders
- PointsPo'Boigh King27Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsDamon Nicholas Jr.5Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt8Sam Houston Bearkats
- PointsLJ Hackman14Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsJack Edelen4Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsGrant Newell6Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Recent form
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W383 scored · 74.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W93-87vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 22
- W76-63at Florida International PanthersJan 17
- W77-62at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 15
- L74-82vs Liberty FlamesJan 10
- W72-60vs Delaware Blue HensJan 9
- L67-68at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 4
- L91-102at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 2
- W117-57vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 28
- L78-87at New Mexico State AggiesDec 21
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L277.1 scored · 73.6 allowed per game1-2 away
- L69-76vs Liberty FlamesJan 22
- L65-81vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 17
- W87-72vs Missouri State BearsJan 15
- W68-56at UTEP MinersJan 10
- L64-80at New Mexico State AggiesJan 9
- W66-61vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 4
- W102-91vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 2
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | Sam Houston Bearkats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-51 | 29-59 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 8-23 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 35 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 8-20 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 40 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 24 |
| Assists | 9 | 20 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 40 |
| Fouls | 16 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-30Terrion Murdix makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half19-32Kashie Natt makes 7-foot jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 1st Half19-34Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup
- 1st Half19-36Matt Dann makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 1st Half21-36Leeroy Odiahi makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half21-37Po'Boigh King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-38Po'Boigh King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half21-40Kashie Natt makes layup (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half21-42Po'Boigh King makes layup
- 2nd Half21-45Kashie Natt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half21-48Po'Boigh King makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half23-48Grant Newell makes layup
- 2nd Half26-48Ryan Myers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half28-48Ryan Myers makes layup
- 2nd Half29-48Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-51Po'Boigh King makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half32-51Ryan Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half32-53CJ Beaumont makes layup (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half34-53LJ Hackman makes layup
- 2nd Half34-55Veljko Ilic makes layup (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half35-55Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-55Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-57Po'Boigh King makes layup (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half36-60Justin Begg makes 26-foot three point jumper (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half38-60Leeroy Odiahi makes layup (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half38-62Damon Nicholas Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half38-64Jacobe Coleman makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half40-64Leeroy Odiahi makes 1-foot dunk (Cam Haffner assists)
- 2nd Half43-64Kade Unseld makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-64Leeroy Odiahi makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half45-66Matt Dann makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half45-68Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half47-68Grant Newell makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-70Veljko Ilic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half50-70LJ Hackman makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-72Po'Boigh King makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half53-72LJ Hackman makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-72LJ Hackman makes layup
- 2nd Half55-73Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Cade Stinnett makes 24-foot three point jumper (LJ Hackman assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Sam Houston Bearkats, below favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Venue
- Bernard G. Johnson ColiseumHuntsville, TX
- Attendance1026
- OfficialsCraig Murley, Blake Harris, Nick Meyer
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