Preview: Liberty Flames at Sam Houston Bearkats

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Liberty squad aims to extend its winning streak against a Sam Houston team looking to defend its home court as the Flames visit the Bearkats in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Johnson Coliseum.

The Flames (12-3, 3-0 CUSA) enter on a five-game win streak, most recently dispatching Louisiana Tech 72-56 on the road Thursday. Liberty’s success has been fueled by balance and the versatile play of forward Zach Cleveland. Over the last five games, Cleveland is averaging 12.4 points, 6.6 assists and 1.8 blocks, showcasing an all-around game that includes a 10-point, 10-rebound, 7-assist performance in a win over Jacksonville State on Jan. 4.

Sam Houston (9-6, 1-2) snapped a two-game skid with a 72-60 home victory over Delaware on Thursday, led by a 22-point outburst from guard Po’Boigh King. King has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 18.8 points over his last five meaningful contests, including a 21-point effort in a loss at Western Kentucky.

This contest pits Liberty’s conference-best start against a Bearkats team seeking to even its league record. The Flames have shown resilience in tight games, winning in overtime at Florida International and on the road at Dayton last month. Their three losses have come by an average of 18.6 points, but they have not lost since Dec. 10.

Sam Houston’s results have been more volatile, with a notable 60-point rout of Biblical Studies alongside single-digit road losses at Middle Tennessee and New Mexico State. Protecting home court will be critical; the Bearkats are 6-1 at Johnson Coliseum this season.

Liberty’s defense, which held Louisiana Tech to 56 points, will be tested by King’s offensive versatility. Conversely, Sam Houston must find a way to contain Cleveland’s facilitating and the Flames’ efficient offensive system, which has scored 78 or more points in four of its last five outings.

Saturday’s game is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Liberty continues its road swing at New Mexico State on Jan. 15, while Sam Houston travels to Jacksonville State on Jan. 14.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Huntsville.