HUNTSVILLE -- The Sam Houston State women's basketball team will complete its preseason exhibition schedule Thursday night at 7 p.m. when the Bearkats play host to the Houston Jaquars AAU squad at Johnson Coliseum.

The Bearkats gave an impressive performance in their first preseason
exhibition last Thursdsay in a 90-84 loss to Houston Baptist. Trailing by 19 points at halftime and by 20 early in the second period, the Bearkats fought back to cut the Huskey margin to just four points twice.

"I was proud of the way we fought back in the second half," new SHSU women's head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols said. "Now, with another week of practice behind us, we look forward to another opportunity to get better. This is our last tune-up before the regular season starts and the kids are excited."

Four Bearkats scored in double figures in the HBU exhibition. Freshman
Brittany Brooks and junior Britney Harris each had 19 points. Erica Parker and Morgam Collom added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

"The girls are excited about another opportunity to play," Welch-Nichols
said. "They're working hard. As they continue to learn the system and buy in to what we're trying to do, we can accomplish a lot this season."

Tuesday night, the Jaguars lost to Texas-Arlington 72-60 at Texas Hall in a preseason exhibition. The Mavericks are the favorite to win the West Division of the Southland Conference this season according to the 2007 preseason coaches poll.

"Comparative scores don't tell you a lot, especially against exhibition
teams who have different personnel each night they play," Welch-Nichols said. "We're going to focus just on becoming a better team. We're pleased with the way the squad is progressing and we're looking forward to the chance to compete again."

Sam Houston State will begin it's 2006-07 regular season schedule Saturday night at 7 p.m. when the Bearkats play host to Texas Southern at Johnson Coliseum.