HOUSTON (Interstat) — Sam Houston built a commanding early lead and withstood a second-half push to defeat Texas Southern 82-70 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Health & P.E. Arena.

The Bearkats led 43-29 at halftime behind efficient play, scoring 31 fast-break points and 42 in the paint for the game. Kashie Natt led Sam Houston with 22 points. The Tigers, led by Duane Posey’s 16 points and Troy Hupstead’s 18, cut into the deficit after halftime but could not overcome their cold first-half shooting, finishing 22 of 66 from the floor.

Sam Houston improved to 6-3. Texas Southern fell to 1-6.