Samford captured an 88-74 victory over Western Carolina to sweep the Catamounts this season, improving to 11-12 overall with a 4-6 conference record. Dylan Faulkner was the driving force, totaling 23 points and 14 rebounds while adding five assists for the Bulldogs in a dominant performance on the road.
It was balanced scoring all night that kept Western Carolina guessing. Five players scored in double figures, with Jadin Booth finishing with 18 points on just eight shots and knocking down three from deep, while Isaiah Campbell-Finch scored 13 points and Zion Wilburn added 11 with each duo knocking down a pair of threes. Jadin Booth had 18 points and Isaiah Campbell-Finch scored 13. The Samford attack was methodical and efficient, building momentum early and never looking back.
What really sealed the win was Samford's second-half defense. Cade Norris finished with 10 points as Samford built its lead to as many as 20 points, while the Bulldogs held WCU 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. The weather delay from Saturday to Sunday might have actually worked in Samford's favor, giving them extra preparation time to lock in defensively.
With this dominant road victory, Samford proved they can compete when they bring full-game intensity to both ends of the floor. The Bulldogs are right back in the conversation for Southern Conference contention heading into the second half of the season.