HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Sam Houston used a dominant first half to secure a 73-58 Conference USA men’s basketball victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkats built a 38-21 halftime lead and never trailed, avenging a loss to the Hilltoppers earlier this month.

Po’Boigh King led all scorers with 27 points for Sam Houston. Veljko Ilic added 12 points and seven rebounds. LJ Hackman paced Western Kentucky with 14 points.

Sam Houston improved to 13-7 overall, while Western Kentucky fell to 11-9. The Bearkats forced 17 turnovers and outshot the Hilltoppers 49.2% to 37.3% from the field in front of an announced crowd of 1,026.