The Sam Houston Bearkats (21-8, 13-5 CUSA) are looking to continue their strong season as they face the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (9-20, 5-13 CUSA) in Newark, Delaware. This matchup comes on the heels of a strong performance by Bearkats guard Jacob Walker, who scored 23 points in Sam Houston’s 86-81 victory over Missouri State on Wednesday. The game, played on Thursday, March 5th, highlighted Sam Houston’s rebounding prowess and stifling defense, key components of their success this season.
Walker’s recent scoring surge has been a significant boost for Sam Houston. He’s averaging 14.9 points over the last ten games, and his 23-point outing against Missouri State demonstrated his ability to take over a game. The Bearkats are currently second in Conference USA in scoring, averaging 83.4 points per game, and shoot with a 47.2% field goal percentage. This offensive efficiency, combined with their defensive intensity, makes them a formidable opponent as the conference tournament approaches.
Bearkats Dominate on the Boards
A key factor in Sam Houston’s recent success has been their dominance on the glass. In Thursday’s win against Delaware, the Bearkats outrebounded the Blue Hens 40.69 to 30.7, according to National Today. This rebounding advantage translated into second-chance points and limited Delaware’s opportunities. They similarly forced 16.5% turnovers compared to Delaware’s 18.5%.
The Bearkats’ aggressive rebounding is part of a broader statistical trend. They average 33.1 rebounds per game, and their 32.1% offensive rebounding rate consistently puts pressure on opponents. This physical style of play has been a hallmark of their 9-1 record in their last ten games, where they average 81.3 points.
Delaware Struggles at Home
The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens have struggled this season, particularly at home, posting a 4-9 record at the Bob Carpenter Center. They are 9-20 overall and 5-13 in Conference USA play. Delaware averages 68.2 points per game, 5.8 fewer than Sam Houston allows, and their field goal percentage of 43.4% is 3.8 percentage points lower than the Bearkats’ season average.
Despite the challenges, Delaware is led by guard Justyn Fernandez, who averages 16.8 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Christian Bliss has also been a key contributor, averaging 19.4 points and 5.6 assists over the past ten games. Still, the Blue Hens have often found themselves in games decided by a significant margin, with a 4-11 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
Previous Matchup Favored Sam Houston
This is the second meeting between Sam Houston and Delaware this season. The Bearkats won the first contest on January 9th, with a final score of 72-60. Po’Boigh King led Sam Houston in that game with 22 points, demonstrating the team’s balanced scoring attack. The Bearkats have a 13-5 record against CUSA opponents, showcasing their strength within the conference.
Delaware relies heavily on minutes played by Christian Bliss (39.9 minutes per game) and scoring from Justyn Fernandez (16.8 points per game). Sam Houston’s balanced attack, led by Walker and King, presents a different challenge for the Blue Hens’ defense.
Looking Ahead
Sam Houston will gaze to build on their recent success and maintain their position as a top team in Conference USA. The Bearkats’ focus on rebounding, defense, and balanced scoring will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season. Delaware, meanwhile, will aim to improve their performance and finish the season strong, seeking to build momentum for future campaigns.
The next game for Sam Houston is scheduled for [date to be determined] against [opponent to be determined]. Fans can find updated schedules and results on the official Sam Houston Bearkats athletics website.
What are your thoughts on Sam Houston’s chances in the Conference USA tournament? Share your predictions and comments below.
