In four seasons, Sam Houston's core group of seniors made the Southland Conference tournament every year. But they never did get the title.

Coach Bob Marlin thought this would be the season.

His team was favored by preseason coaches and administrator polls to finish first in the West Division. The team had potential breakout players, along with brilliant F Ryan Bright. Yet it was a team the Bearkats dominated twice during the regular season that ended the career of four seniors, all starters. Texas-Arlington pushed around Sam Houston with a brutally efficient inside game. Those four players were a solid core group, but Marlin always uses his entire bench. There will be a starting five with experience, though depth must be found.

Next season's team has the make-up to be a player again in the tournament, but maybe not the dominant ones over the past four seasons.

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