HUNTSVILLE, TX -- The Bearkats led start to finish in a 64-48 win over Central Arkansas to move into first place in the Southland Conference.

Britni Martin led all scorers with 18 points including eight-for-eight from the free-throw line and a pair of three pointers.

“We keep saying we’ve got to hold strong at home and get those home wins,” said Coach Brenda Nichols. “We didn’t play real smooth in the first half but we came back and corrected it.”

The Bearkats and the Bears now stand at the top of the league with a 4-1 record. Lamar and Oral Roberts also have a 4-1 conference record.

Sam Houston had a 35-23 lead at the half. Chanice Smith started the game shooting five-for-six and had 11 points at the break. Smith finished with 16 points and five rebounds.

The Kat defense held the 2010-11 Southland Player of the Year Megan Herbert to just 6-of-15 shooting and 14 total points.

SHSU dominated inside, leading Central Arkansas 44-36 in rebounds and 32-24 in points in the paint.

Sequeena Thomas was the leading rebounder for the Kats with 14, including five on the offensive side.

“In the second half, we controlled the game more and controlled the tempo,” Nichols said.

Central Arkansas got within five points several times in the second half but could never take the lead. Courtney Duever made a layup with 9:02 left to get within five before the Bearkats pulled away.

The Bearkats host Oral Roberts Saturday at Johnson Coliseum at 1 p.m.