Utah Tech downs Kats 79-67

HUNTSVILLE — Utah Tech pulled away in the second half to hand Sam Houston a 79-67 setback at Johnson Coliseum on Saturday.

The Bearkats (6-7, 2-1 WAC) trailed early but were able to tie the game at the half. The Trailblazers (10-5, 2-2) retook the advantage to start the second half and never looked back to pick up the victory.

Sydnee Kemp led Sam Houston with 22 points and Kaylee Jefferson added 17. Madelyn Batista just missed a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Utah Tech grabbed the early lead out of the gate and were up 6-0 before the Bearkats scored. Jefferson hit a jumper and a 3-pointer and Kemp made a layup to make it a one-point game, but the Trailblazers went on an 8-0 run to take their biggest lead at 18-9 with two minutes to go in the first quarter.

Sam Houston caught fire in the second period behind the play of Jefferson. She scored all of her 17 points in the first half including an old-fashion 3-point play that cut the lead to 26-23. After a Utah Tech basket, Chyna Allen drilled a 3 and Kemp tied the game on a layup before Jefferson gave the Kats their first lead of the game at 31-30 on a layup.

The Trailblazers got a free throw and both teams traded baskets in the final minute to go into the half tied at 33.

Utah Tech once again got off to a fast start in the third quarter with a 6-0 run to take the lead for good. The Trailblazers led by as many as 18 points at 75-57 with two minutes left in the game.

The Bearkats hit the road to face New Mexico State on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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