March 7, 2009

SAN MARCOS - Sunday afternoon marks an important game for the Texas State women's basketball team. Head coach Suzanne Fox and fans will bid farewell to the 2008-09 senior class and the foursome will look to lead their team to a win over Sam Houston State and clinch a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament. Tip against the Bearkats is set for 2 p.m. at Strahan Coliseum.

A ceremony honoring Ryann Bradford, Ashley Cole, Kim Cessna and Brittany Wilson will take place prior to the game and a reception hosted by the Fastbreak Club honoring the student-athletes will take place immediately after the game.

Texas State is 12-15 overall and 6-9 in league games, while Sam Houston enters 8-20 overall and 5-10 in the SLC. The Bobcats are in a must-win situation against the Bearkats because a loss would give the foe two wins for the tie breaker over Texas State.

The last time the two teams met was in a Jan. 21 meeting in Huntsville, Texas. Gabriell Mattox and Kim Cessna combined for 36 points and both notched double-doubles, Sam Houston State's fiery offense pulled away for a 78-63 win.

The loss was the first to the Bearkats since 2002, but the Bobcats lead the all-time series 36-35.

Mattox will enter the game averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds to lead the team. The newcomer of the year candidate posted her fifth double-double of the season in Texas State's last outing against San Antonio with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Sam Houston is led by Brittany Brooks who averages 10.8 points and 2.9 rebounds. The junior guard finished with 12 in the Bearkats last game, an 85-82 losing decision to Northwestern State.