Senior Whitney Smith scored 23 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead the Sam Houston State women's basketball team to an 80-74 victory over Texas A&M-International in an exhibition game Saturday afternoon at Johnson Coliseum.

Brittany Brooks, also in her fourth season as a Bearkat, totaled 12 points and posted five assists in the victory.

After five ties and three lead changes early in the first half, the Bearkats took a 40-37 halftime lead. Sam Houston eventually built an 11-point lead, going up 70-59 with 7:53 to play on two free throws by Brooks.

But the TAMUI Dust Devils came fighting back, going on a 13-5 run to cut the margin to 75-72 on a Johnna Williams layup with 2:50 to play. The Bearkats allowed their opponents to come no closer, extending their final lead to six points.

Both teams shot 38 percent from the floor and combined for 46 fouls and 43 turnovers. Sam Houston won the contest at the free throw line where the Kats hit 30 of their 47 attempts. The Dust Devils could only manage 13 of 21 at the charity stripe.

"We're still working on getting out the kinks, but it was a victory and there were lots of bright spots," Sam Houston head coach Brenda Nichols said. "Our seniors are providing good leadership for our younger players and we're pleased with the progress we're making."

A&M-International, coached by former Sam Houston assistant David Beaver, had four players score in double figures. Kiandra Metoyer and Mary Tobias each scored 18 points, Williams totaled 12 and Erika Rosas scored 10.

Newcomer Clarke Davis and sophomore Bre Agnew each scored eight points for Sam Houston.

The Bearkat women will play a second exhibition contest against McMurry University of Abilene Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Coliseum. Admission is free.

The Sam Houston State women's basketball team will play two regular season home games this month.

$1 general admission and $5 reserved tickets for all men's and women's basketball games in November and December will be made available in a special promotional offer for just 72 hours beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday November 11.  

Area fans may purchase tickets online only via www.gobearkats.com for this one-time only opportunity to see any or all of those six contests for just $1 a game.

Use this link to learn more about the $1 Basketball Ticket Sale for 72-Hours for November and December basketball home games.

For more information on tickets to all Bearkat home athletic events, go to www.gobearkats.com or contact the Sam Houston athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.