Britni Martin scored 19 points to lead the Bearkat women’s basketball team to a 54-47 Southland Conference win over Oral Roberts.

Martin had six assists and four rebounds to go with her 19 points. The senior was seven-for-eight from the free-throw line including four in the final 1:15 to seal the win.

Sequeena Thomas had 18 points and an impressive 20 rebounds. Eight of her boards were on the offensive side of the floor.

“That was a big win for us,” said Coach Brenda Nichols. “It wasn’t pretty by any means but we’re happy to get away from here with a victory.”

The Bearkat defense held Oral Robert’s leading scorer Kevi Luper to just 10 points. Luper came into the game averaging 18.5 points a game for the season.

The Eagles did get a 25 point effort from Jaci Bigham who was just averaging 9.7 points per game.

Sam Houston took just a two point lead into halftime. But in the second half the Bearkats never let ORU get closer than three points.

“I thought it was big that we never let them get any closer than three in the second half,” Nicholls said. We know they are capable of scoring so it was great to see our girls come out and play strong defense.”

Chanice Smith added nine points and three rebounds and Angela Beadle added six points and seven rebounds.

The Kats are on the road next week as they play Southeastern Louisiana Thursday night and Nicholls State Saturday afternoon.