Preview: Western Kentucky at Sam Houston

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA rematch awaits on Saturday when the Sam Houston Bearkats host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Johnson Coliseum.

The contest, scheduled for Jan. 24, 2026, features two teams jockeying for position in the league standings. Sam Houston (12-7 overall) enters with a slightly better record than Western Kentucky (11-8), but the Hilltoppers won the first meeting decisively, 102-91, in Bowling Green on Jan. 2.

That high-scoring affair figures to set the tone for the rematch. Western Kentucky’s offense was fueled by a standout performance from guard Teagan Moore, who scored 28 points with six rebounds. Moore remains the focal point for the Hilltoppers, averaging 18.1 points over his last eight games, including a 19-point effort in a loss to Liberty on Wednesday.

Sam Houston, however, arrives with momentum from a 93-87 victory over Kennesaw State that same night. Guard Po’Boigh King led the way with 23 points and four assists, continuing his consistent backcourt production. King scored 21 points in the earlier loss to Western Kentucky and will be central to the Bearkats’ quest for revenge at home.

Both teams have experienced recent inconsistencies. Western Kentucky has alternated wins and losses over its past six games. Sam Houston has been stronger at home this season and carries a three-game winning streak at Johnson Coliseum into Saturday’s matchup.

The game hinges on which team controls the tempo. Western Kentucky will look to replicate its explosive offensive output from the first meeting, while Sam Houston aims to leverage its home court and tighten its defense to split the season series.

A win would bolster the conference résumé for either squad as they navigate the heart of the league schedule.