HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Sam Houston held off a second-half surge from Jacksonville State for an 82-78 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Johnson Coliseum.

The Bearkats led 36-26 at halftime, but the Gamecocks scored 52 points after intermission to keep pressure on the home team. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil led all scorers with 38 points for Jacksonville State. Po’Boigh King paced Sam Houston with 19 points, and Jacob Walker added 17.

Sam Houston improved to 19-8 overall and in Conference USA play. Jacksonville State fell to 13-14. Attendance was 852.