WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by defensive grit and offensive inefficiency than fluid scoring, the Sam Houston Bearkats methodically pulled away in the second half to defeat the Florida International Golden Panthers 76-63 in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Saturday afternoon at Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The most important part of the game was a decisive 17-2 run by Sam Houston that spanned the final minutes of the first half and the opening minutes of the second, transforming a narrow deficit into a commanding double-digit lead from which Florida International never recovered.

The contest was a slog from the outset, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Sam Houston, despite its eventual comfortable margin of victory, shot just 44.1% from the field and a dismal 53.8% from the free-throw line. Florida International was worse, connecting on a mere 29.4% of its field goal attempts. The Golden Panthers kept themselves in contention early primarily through free throws, attempting 39 to Sam Houston’s 26.

With just over four minutes remaining in the first half and Sam Houston clinging to a 27-25 lead, the Bearkats began the pivotal sequence. Po’Boigh King drilled a 3-pointer, and after a Florida International free throw, Veljko Ilic hit one of two from the line. Jacob Walker then converted a steal into a free throw, and following another Golden Panther turnover, King hit a jumper to push the lead to 34-29. Florida International’s Ashton Williamson answered with a 3-pointer, but Sam Houston took a 34-35 lead into the locker room after a chaotic final minute featuring multiple missed free throws and a blocked shot.

The Bearkats carried that momentum directly into the second half, utterly stifling the Florida International offense. Ilic scored on a layup off an assist from Kashie Natt, and on the next possession, Natt himself buried a 3-pointer. After a stop, Ilic scored again inside, and Justin Begg capped the 17-2 surge spanning both halves with a 3-pointer, giving Sam Houston a 44-35 lead with 17:31 to play.

Florida International, which scored only 28 points in the second half, never got closer than seven points the rest of the way. The Golden Panthers’ shooting woes were compounded by 18 turnovers, which Sam Houston converted into 20 points. The Bearkats also dominated inside, outscoring FIU 30-12 in the paint, with Ilic’s interior presence proving crucial.

Julian Mackey led all scorers with 23 points for Florida International, but he needed 26 minutes and was largely contained during Sam Houston’s game-defining run. Corey Stephenson added 14 points for the Golden Panthers.

Sam Houston’s victory was a balanced effort. Jacobe Coleman led the Bearkats with 14 points, while Ilic finished with 11 and King added 12. Walker orchestrated the offense effectively, contributing 9 points and 5 assists.

The win improved Sam Houston to 11-7 overall, while Florida International fell to an even 9-9. The game’s total of 139 points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 168.5, a testament to the defensive struggle that unfolded.

Sam Houston will look to build on the road win when it hosts Kennesaw State on Wednesday. Florida International, meanwhile, begins a two-game road trip at UTEP on Thursday. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Huntsville, Texas, on Feb. 26.