WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — Sam Houston used a strong second half to defeat Florida International 76-63 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday.

The Bearkats, who led 34-35 at halftime, outscored the Golden Panthers 42-28 after the break. Sam Houston’s defense was pivotal, holding Florida International to 15-of-51 shooting from the floor. The Golden Panthers kept pace at the free-throw line but were outscored 30-12 in the paint.

Julian Mackey led all scorers with 23 points for Florida International. Jacobe Coleman scored 14 points for Sam Houston, while Po’Boigh King added 12 and Veljko Ilic had 11. Sam Houston improved to 11-7. Florida International fell to 9-9.