SAN ANTONIO -- Josh Delaney nailed four of his five 3-pointers in the final 8:24 as Sam Houston State held off Incarnate Word 78-72 to open Southland Conference play on Saturday night.

Dakarai Henderson had 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting to lead Sam Houston State (6-8, 1-0). Aurimas Majauskas chipped in nine points with eight rebounds.

Delaney, who finished with 19 points, hit two straight 3-pointers to give the Bearkats a 60-55 lead with 7:55 remaining. Incarnate Word retook the lead 61-60 with 5:44 left, but Delaney answered with his third trey of the second half to put the Bearkats ahead to stay.

Michaell Badillo had 14 points and finished with six assists to become the career assists leader (425) at Incarnate Word.

Derail Green led the Cardinals (5-7, 0-1) with 17 points. Kyle Hittle added 14 points.