Sam Houston State Bearkats

Are part of the Southland Conference, were established in 1879, and their home arena is Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Intriguing Facts About the Sam Houston State Bearkats

The Bearkats’ basketball program, established in 1917, has a storied past filled with intriguing facts. From its inception, the team showed promise, quickly amassing a formidable record of 43 wins and 11 losses in its first five years, including an astounding 24-game winning streak.

This early success set the tone for the program’s enduring legacy of excellence. The Bearkats have navigated through various conferences, most recently transitioning from the Southland Conference, where they had been members since the 1987-88 season, to the Western Athletic Conference in 2021, and finally joining Conference USA in 2023. Their impressive track record in the 21st century, marked by being the second-winningest program in Texas Division I basketball, further cements their status as a formidable force in college basketball.

Sam Houston State Bearkats Latest News

The Historical Tapestry of the Sam Houston State Bearkats

The Sam Houston State Bearkats’ basketball history is a rich tapestry woven with moments of triumph and resilience. The program’s early years were marked by significant achievements, establishing a foundation of success that would continue for decades. However, the team’s journey has not been without its challenges. The impact of World War II led to a temporary hiatus in the 1940s, a testament to the era’s profound influence on collegiate sports and society at large. Despite these interruptions, the Bearkats have consistently demonstrated a capacity for growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence, evolving through various periods and embracing new challenges with determination and grit.

The Golden Era

Identifying a singular ‘Golden Era’ or a defining coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats poses a challenge due to the lack of detailed information on specific periods or figures who may have significantly influenced the program. Nonetheless, the team’s history is undoubtedly punctuated by eras of exceptional performance, marked by strategic leadership and outstanding player contributions. This section, therefore, remains a canvas awaiting the details of such a transformative period in the team’s history.

The Current Landscape

The 2023-24 season marks a new chapter for the Bearkats under the leadership of Chris Mudge, who stepped in as head coach following the departure of his predecessor. The team’s recent performance, including a strong 26-8 record in the previous season and a commendable showing in the National Invitation Tournament, highlights their potential for continued success. However, the team faces a period of transition with the departure of key players and the introduction of new talent. This phase represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Bearkats as they strive to build on their legacy in the competitive landscape of NCAA basketball.

Legendary Figures in Sam Houston State Bearkats History

The history of the Bearkats is replete with coaches and players who have left an indelible mark on the program. While specific details about these legendary figures were not readily available, their contributions have shaped the team’s journey and inspired countless aspiring athletes. These individuals, with their unique skills, leadership, and dedication, have played pivotal roles in crafting the narrative of the Bearkats, turning challenges into triumphs and aspirations into achievements.

A Game to Remember

A search for a specific memorable game in the Bearkats’ history yielded limited results. However, the team’s journey is undoubtedly filled with games that have captured the essence of their fighting spirit, resilience, and sportsmanship. These games, each a chapter in the team’s storied history, have left lasting impressions on players and fans alike, symbolizing the highs and lows of competitive sports.

Sam Houston State Bearkats 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Mon 06/11/2023	Opponent: Pacific Tigers	Result: W 64-57
Week 1	Date: Thu 09/11/2023	Opponent: Utah Valley Wolverines	Result: L 73-79
Week 1	Date: Sun 12/11/2023	Opponent: Oklahoma State Cowboys	Result: L 70-85
Week 2	Date: Fri 17/11/2023	Opponent: Mississippi Rebels	Result: L 67-70
Week 3	Date: Mon 20/11/2023	Opponent: Troy Trojans	Result: W 88-86
Week 3	Date: Wed 22/11/2023	Opponent: Grambling State Tigers	Result: W 86-68
Week 3	Date: Sat 25/11/2023	Opponent: Paul Quinn Tigers	Result: W 78-61
Week 4	Date: Wed 29/11/2023	Opponent: Arizona State Sun Devils	Result: L 61-78
Week 4	Date: Sun 03/12/2023	Opponent: Lamar Cardinals	Result: W 90-70
Week 5	Date: Sat 09/12/2023	Opponent: Missouri St. Bears	Result: L 60-69
Week 6	Date: Tue 12/12/2023	Opponent: UL Monroe Warhawks	Result: W 63-62
Week 6	Date: Fri 15/12/2023	Opponent: Texas State Bobcats	Result: L 60-73
Week 7	Date: Wed 20/12/2023	Opponent: Grand Canyon Lopes	Result: L 64-76
Week 8	Date: Thu 28/12/2023	Opponent: Texas Tech Red Raiders	Result: L 60-96
Week 9	Date: Tue 02/01/2024	Opponent: Dallas University Crusaders	Result: W 93-53
Week 9	Date: Sat 06/01/2024	Opponent: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	Result: W 81-77
Week 10	Date: Wed 10/01/2024	Opponent: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	Result: W 78-74
Week 10	Date: Sat 13/01/2024	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: W 60-51
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: Liberty Flames	Result: L 66-82
Week 12	Date: Thu 25/01/2024	Opponent: New Mexico St. Aggies	Result: W 79-67
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: Texas-El Paso Miners	Result: W 60-56
Week 13	Date: Thu 01/02/2024	Opponent: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	Result: W 79-77
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Florida International Panthers	Result: L 61-68
Week 14	Date: Thu 08/02/2024	Opponent: Jacksonville St. Gamecocks	Result: L 68-79
Week 15	Date: Thu 15/02/2024	Opponent: Florida International Panthers	Result: W 70-56
Week 15	Date: Sat 17/02/2024	Opponent: Liberty Flames	Result: W 83-73
Week 16	Date: Thu 22/02/2024	Opponent: New Mexico St. Aggies	Result: W 79-58
Week 16	Date: Sat 24/02/2024	Opponent: Texas-El Paso Miners	Result: W 65-54
Week 17	Date: Sat 02/03/2024	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: W 81-64
Week 18	Date: Thu 07/03/2024	Opponent: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	Result: W 72-66
Week 18	Date: Sat 09/03/2024	Opponent: Jacksonville St. Gamecocks	Result: W 81-73

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Wed 13/03/2024	Opponent: Florida International Panthers	Result: W 78-59
Conf. Tournament	Date: Fri 15/03/2024	Opponent: Texas-El Paso Miners	Result: L 63-65

Home of Sam Houston State Bearkats: Bernard Johnson Coliseum

Bernard Johnson Coliseum, the home of the Bearkats since 1976, stands as a symbol of the team’s history and achievements. With a seating capacity of over 5,500, it has been the backdrop to numerous memorable games and pivotal moments in the team’s history. The coliseum is not just a physical structure but a repository of memories and a beacon of pride for the university and its supporters. Its significance extends beyond just hosting games; it is a place where generations of players and fans have come together to celebrate the spirit of college basketball.