HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — In a display of offensive efficiency and defensive dominance rarely seen this season, the Sam Houston Bearkats overwhelmed the Florida International Golden Panthers from the opening tip, cruising to a 100-67 victory in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Thursday night at Johnson Coliseum.

The most important part of the game was its utter lack of drama, established in the opening minutes and sustained for all 40 minutes. Sam Houston seized control immediately, opening the contest on a 9-0 run and never allowing Florida International to mount a credible challenge. The Bearkats’ blistering start, fueled by transition baskets and stifling defense, set a tone of inevitability that rendered the final 30 minutes a formality.

Sam Houston improved to 20-8 overall, while Florida International fell to 13-15.

The Bearkats operated with surgical precision on offense, shooting a remarkable 60.3% from the field and 62.5% from three-point range. They complemented that with a relentless defensive effort, forcing 15 Golden Panther turnovers and converting them into easy scoring opportunities. The statistical disparity was stark: Sam Houston recorded 12 assists and 12 steals to Florida International’s four assists and four steals. The Bearkats also dominated the glass with 11 offensive rebounds.

Jacob Walker led all scorers with 20 points for Sam Houston. Po’Boigh King and Kashie Natt each added 18 points, with Natt also dishing out a game-high six assists. Damon Nicholas and Jacobe Coleman contributed 10 and 12 points, respectively, with Coleman adding four assists.

For Florida International, Corey Stephenson scored 18 points. Zawdie Jackson finished with 13 points, and Eric Dibami added 11 points and two blocks.

The game was effectively decided in the first half. After Sam Houston’s initial 9-0 burst, the Bearkats continued to pour it on. A three-pointer by CJ Beaumont extended the lead to 19-7, and the margin ballooned to 21 points after a Veljko Ilic-assisted dunk by Beaumont made it 21-7. Florida International struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting poorly from deep and committing a series of early turnovers that Sam Houston eagerly converted.

The Bearkats took a commanding 50-31 lead into halftime, having shot 64% from the field in the opening period. The second half offered no respite for the visitors. Sam Houston opened the half on a 7-2 run and continued to expand its lead, reaching a 30-point advantage and beyond as the game progressed. The Bearkats matched their first-half output exactly, scoring another 50 points after intermission to hit the century mark.

The victory was a comprehensive team performance for Sam Houston, which entered the game as a 7-point favorite and easily covered the spread. The combined score of 167 points went under the pregame over/under line of 164. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Sam Houston had an 89.2% probability to win.

The teams had met previously this season on Jan. 17, with Sam Houston earning a 76-63 win in Miami.

Florida International looks to rebound on the road at Louisiana Tech on Saturday. Sam Houston will conclude its brief homestand Saturday against Missouri State before hitting the road for its final two regular-season games.