Jan. 3, 2003

Samford returns home for the first time since Dec. 2 to begin a four-game homestand against NAIA Martin Methodist (6-5) Saturday in the second game of a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. in Seibert Hall. It will be the final nonconference game of the regular season for the Bulldogs (3-7), who are fresh off a 71-58 victory over future Ohio Valley Conference foe Morehead State.

Freshman point guard Cora Beth Smith scored 18 points to lead four players in double figures in leading Samford to the win over the Lady Eagles. Giovanni Price turned in her second consecutive double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Noot Pittman added 13 points and Chelsee Insell scored 12 points against Morehead State.

Martin Methodist has not played a game since falling to Brescia University, 71-68, on Dec. 18, 2002. Kim Loop leads the Red Hawks averaging 16.8 points per game. Annette Martin (12.3 ppg) and Zuzana Janesikova (12.1 ppg) are the other two Red Hawks scoring in double figures.

Samford and Martin Methodist have never met. The Bulldogs have only played one non Division I-A opponent in the program's history. Samford lost to Division II Columbus State, 78-74, during the 1998-99 season.

The Bulldogs will start Atlantic Sun Conference play, next time out. Samford will host in-state rival Jacksonville State Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.