The Samford men's basketball team delivered a commanding performance against Western Carolina on Sunday, capturing an 88-74 victory to sweep the Catamounts for the season. The Bulldogs controlled the game from the opening tip and dominated the second half with crisp basketball and stifling defense.
Dylan Faulkner totaled 23 points and 14 rebounds to power Samford to the victory, capturing his sixth double-double of the season. Faulkner scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in the first half and maintained that momentum throughout, going 8-of-12 from the field overall. The senior forward was virtually unstoppable, showcasing both inside presence and consistency from the free-throw line. Five players scored in double figures, but as usual, Faulkner and Jadin Booth led the way. Booth finished with 18 points on just eight shots, including three three-pointers that kept the offense in rhythm.
The Bulldogs held Western Carolina to just 32 percent shooting in the second half, defending the three-point line and holding the home side to 2-of-17 from deep. Samford also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 42-29 and taking care of their defensive glass. Samford shot 55 percent in the second half while the defense strangled Western Carolina's attempts to mount a comeback. Samford's record moves to 11-12 overall with the win and 4-6 in league play, putting the Bulldogs in position to climb the conference standings.