THIBODAUX, La. -- Dakarai Henderson and Aurimas Majauskas each scored 12 points to lead Sam Houston State to a 62-39 victory over Nicholls State Tuesday night, extending the Bearkats' winning streak to eight games.

Sam Houston (14-4, 6-0 Southland Conference) jumped out 11-2 early, held Nicholls to 3-of-20 shooting from the field (15 percent) and outrebounded the Colonels 20-12 to take a 39-12 lead by halftime. Holding an opponent to 12 points by the half was the fewest the Bearkats have allowed this season.

Nicholls (4-11, 1-4) opened the second half with a 7-4 run, but the Bearkats responded to build a 33-point lead with 7:26 left to play.

The victory sets up a showdown for first place in conference when Sam Houston State hosts Stephen F. Austin (15-3, 5-0) on Saturday.

T.J. Carpenter and Ja'Dante' Frye led the Colonels with 10 points each.