Sam_Houston_State_Bearkats_men's_basketball
Sam Houston Bearkats men's basketball
Men's basketball team representing Sam Houston State University
The Sam Houston Bearkats men's basketball team, represents Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, United States. The Bearkats were one of four programs, all from Texas, that left the Southland Conference on July 1, 2021 to join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).[2] Sam Houston had previously been a member of the Southland Conference since the 1987–88 season. The Bearkats have played home games at Johnson Coliseum, a 6,110 seat indoor arena, since 1976, when it was then called University Coliseum.[3] On July 1, 2023 the Bearkats joined Conference USA.[4]
| Sam Houston Bearkats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
 | |||
| University | Sam Houston State University | ||
| Head coach | Chris Mudge (1st season) | ||
| Conference | C-USA | ||
| Location | Huntsville, Texas | ||
| Arena | Bernard Johnson Coliseum (Capacity: 6,110) | ||
| Nickname | Bearkats | ||
| Colors | Orange and white[1] | ||
| Uniforms | |||
| |||
| NCAA tournament round of 32 | |||
| 1986* | |||
| NCAA tournament appearances | |||
| 1986*, 2003, 2010 *at Division II level | |||
| Conference tournament champions | |||
| Southland: 2003, 2010 Lone Star: 1975, 1981, 1982 | |||
| Conference regular season champions | |||
| C–USA: 2024 Southland: 2000, 2003, 2010, 2019 Gulf Star: 1986 Lone Star: 1934, 1937, 1948, 1964, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981 TIAA: 1925 | |||
Sam Houston has a prestigious history in regards to men's basketball. The Bearkats have fielded a basketball team since 1917, excluding the 1942–43 and 1943–44 basketball seasons. Basketball was not played these years because World War II had decimated male enrollment at Sam Houston. Success began early as Sam Houston went 43–11 during its first five years, including an unblemished 24–0 record during its first three.
During the 21st century, Sam Houston's men's basketball program boasts the second-winningest program in Texas Division I, only behind Texas. The Bearkats are also the winningest program in the Southland Conference during the last decade.[5]
Home Courts
Due to a lack of funds, it was not until 1924 that the school built the Men's Gymnasium, near the corner of 20th (now Bowers) and Avenue I. Nicknamed the "Cracker Box" Gym, the building was wood framed and lasted until the 1950s. Its most famous moment, though, did not involve athletics, but a visit by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1937.[6]
After the demolition of the Men's Gym the school built what is referred to as the New Gymnasium or Bearkat Gymnasium (depending on the source), opening in 1956 at the corner of 20th (now Bowers) and Avenue J. This gym had room for 3,000 as well as dormitory space under the seats, and was the team's home for another 20 seasons until the opening of the University Coliseum, now known as the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. Located at 20th (now Bowers) and Avenue H (now Bobby K. Marks Dr), this arena still serves the university today. The second gym has undergone several conversions and is now known as Academic Building Three.[7]
NCAA Division I Tournament
The Bearkats have appeared in two NCAA Division I Tournaments. Their combined record is 0–2.
NIT results
The Bearkats have appeared in two National Invitation Tournament. Their combined record is 1–2.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | First Round | TCU | L 69–82 |
| 2023 | First Round Second Round | Santa Clara North Texas | W 58–56 L 55–75 |
CIT results
The Bearkats have appeared in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) four times. Their combined record is 4–4.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | First Round Second Round | Alabama State San Diego | W 71–49 L 72–77 |
| 2015 | First Round Second Round | UNC Wilmington Louisiana | W 87–71 L 70–71 |
| 2016 | First Round | Jackson State | L 77–81OT |
| 2018 | Second Round Quarterfinals Semifinals | Eastern Michigan UTSA Northern Colorado | W 69–62 W 76–69 L 80–99 |
NCAA Division II Tournament
The Bearkats have appeared in one NCAA Division II tournament. Their record is 0–2.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Regional semifinals Regional 3rd-place game | Delta State Abilene Christian | L 59–61 L 60–76 |
NAIA Tournament
The Bearkats have appeared in one NAIA tournament. Their record is 1–1.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | First round Second Round | Wartburg Xavier (LA) | W 88–62 L 60–67 |
- "Athletic Branding". Sam Houston State University Department of Marketing and Communications. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
- "WAC Announces Expedited Entrance for Four Texas Institutions" (Press release). Western Athletic Conference. January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- "Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum". Sam Houston State University. Retrieved 2013-05-14.
- "Conference USA welcomes the Bearkats" (Press release). GoBearkats.com. July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- "Sam Houston State Men's Basketball Notes" (PDF). Sam Houston Athletics. Retrieved 2013-05-14.
- Mary, Estill. "Men's Gymnasium". The Building of Sam Houston State University. BuildingSHSU.com. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- "Academic Building Three". The Building of Sam Houston State University. BuildingSHSU.com. Retrieved 30 January 2024.