Howard Payne vs Sam Houston prediction: Sam Houston's home opener is a tune-up against Division III Howard Payne
Four days after a trip to Alabama, the Bearkats open Johnson Coliseum against a Division III visitor playing its second road game in three days of the week.
- Sam Houston has the edge in level and size against a Division III visitor, though no line is posted yet.
- Watch the Bearkats on the offensive glass. Last season they rebounded 37.4% of their misses, 14th nationally, a gap a smaller program struggles to close.
- No line is posted yet. Last season's pace of 71.1 possessions per 40 minutes (38th) is the number most likely to shape any total.
A home opener with a gap
Sam Houston opens its season at Alabama on Nov. 3, then comes home for its first game in Huntsville. The visitor is Howard Payne, a Division III program from the American Southwest Conference. Tip is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 PM ET. The schools' listings disagree on the start time, so check it closer to the game.
This matchup has happened before. The teams met in 2020, a game that finished 117–54. The Yellow Jackets also face a crowded week: they play at Texas State on Thursday, Nov. 5, two days before this trip.
What the Bearkats brought last season
Chris Mudge, hired in April 2023, coached Sam Houston to a 22-12 record last season. His team played fast, averaging 71.1 possessions per 40 minutes, which ranked 38th of 365. It also attacked the offensive glass, grabbing 37.4% of its own misses, 14th in the country.
The shooting held up as well. Sam Houston made 36.6% of its threes, 39th nationally, while holding opponents to 31.5% from deep. Last season's final adjusted offensive efficiency, measured in points per 100 possessions and adjusted for opponents, was 113.6 and ranked 99th.
There is a catch. Nothing yet shows how much of that roster returned, so treat last season's profile as a rough sketch of this team rather than a portrait.
What to watch
- The glass. Offensive rebounding was the Bearkats' best trait last season. Second chances are the quickest way for a CUSA team to open a margin on a Division III opponent.
- Tempo. A fast Sam Houston pace means more possessions, and more possessions favor the deeper, bigger roster.
- Availability. No injury or eligibility news has surfaced for either team as of Oct. 25. Recheck before tip, especially coming off the Alabama trip.
Numbers that matter
| Offensive rebound rate, last season | 37.4% | Sam Houston ranked 14th nationally in grabbing its own misses. |
|---|---|---|
| Pace, last season | 71.1 | Possessions per 40 minutes, 38th of 365, which points to a high-possession game. |
| 3-point %, last season | 36.6% | The Bearkats ranked 39th nationally from deep. |
| Last meeting | 117–54 | Final score of the 2020 meeting. |
Howard Payne vs Sam Houston: quick answers
When is Howard Payne vs Sam Houston?
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET.