The Sam Houston State Bearkats defeat the South Dakota State Jackrabbits to capture their first national championship in school history.     Photos by Francisco Casillas

New Orleans Privateers beat the top seed Sam Houston State Bearkats sailing thier way to the finals. Photos by Matt Flora

Central Arkansas Bears hold out Sam Houston St rally, 76-71, advancing to the next round of the tournament. Photos by Matt Flora

New Orleans Privateers sinks the Sam Houston Bearkats, 75-63, to play in Southland Men’s Tournament Final. Photos by Andre Brooks

After losing twice to the Houston Baptist Huskies in regular season, a third meeting was the charm for the Sam Houston Bearkats, trumping the Huskies, 63-59. The Bearkats advance to the quarterfinals in the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Tourney. Photos by Matt Flora

Sam Houston Bearkats advances to the next round after fighting off Central Arkansas Bears with a, 77-69, win at the Southland Tourney.  Photos by Matt Flora

After the Sam Houston Bearkats rally to tie the game at top of the 7th inning, the Houston Cougars squeezes a, 6-5, win on a walk-off single from sophomore, Brooke Vannoy.  Photos by Andre Brooks & Francisco Casillas

The Houston Cougars close their season with a big win over conference-rival Cincinnati Bearkats. They finish the year with a 22-8 (12-6) record after the 69-56 win. Photos by Andre Brooks

Trailing 14-3 by halftime, the Sam Houston State Bearkats rallied against the SFA Lumberjacks for a 34-28 win in the 90th “Battle of the Piney Woods” game, Saturday at NRG Stadium. As the second quarter came to an end, Sam Houston State’s offense could produce a total of only 71 …

The Sam Houston State Bearkats win their fifth consecutive game against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks despite trailing 14-3 at halftime. They are now 53-47 all-time in the “Battle of the Piney Woods.” Photos by Samantha Villarreal