The Bearkats rallied from a 42-28 halftime deficit only to fall just short in the end.

Britni Martin led the Kats with 20 points after struggling early in the game. Martin finished just one-of-six from three-point range.

McNeese State started the game on fire. Senior Ashlyn Baggett scored 20 points in the first 14 minutes of the game and hit five three-pointers in the first half.

The Cowgirls shot 70% from three-point range going eight-of-eleven in the first half. From the floor, the Cowgirls shot 51% in the first half.

The second half was a different story. McNeese shot just 24% in the second period and hit only two-of-ten three pointers.

“McNeese was just smoking hot and we had to battle,” said Coach Nicholls. “The players came out in the second half ready to play. They battled and we got back in it.”

The Bearkats got 14 points, five assists and five boards from Jasmine Johnson. Sequeena Thomas had 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Johnson hit a three-pointer with just over a minute left in the game to get the Kats within two points at 60-58. The Bearkats then had turnovers on back-to-back possessions to end the game.

“When you go on the road in the Southland you’ve got to steal some games,” Nicholls said. “We went 1-1 on this road trip and we are looking forward to going home.”

Ashlyn Baggett finished the game with 33 points and was the only Cowgirl to score in double digits.

Sam Houston returns home next week to host Central Arkansas Thursday night and Oral Roberts Saturday afternoon.