Jan. 29, 2009

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team improved its home record to 8-2 on Thursday as the Bulldogs used their Southern Conference-leading defense in a methodical 69-46 win against the Georgia Southern Eagles. Samford limited Georgia Southern to 35.2-percent shooting and an 0-for-15 outing from 3-point range.

"I thought we played a lot better tonight, especially when comparing it to how we played on Monday," said Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette. "That was what we needed in our effort and our execution was there on both ends of the floor. I am a little worried that we gave up 17 offensive rebounds, but that just proves that we need to be more physical. For us to even have a chance on Saturday, we are going to have to be as good or better."

With Thursday's win, Samford (11-9, 6-5 SoCon) earned its fifth victory in its previous six games and moved into sole possession of first place in the conference's North Division. The Bulldogs currently lead the Chattanooga Mocs by a half-game in the division.

On Saturday, Samford hosts Davidson in the Pete Hanna Center for a battle of the conference's first-place teams. Davidson is currently leading the SoCon's South Division with an unblemished 10-0 record.

Saturday's showdown will begin at 2 p.m., and will be televised live on SportSouth.

The game is sold out for the general public, while the tickets that have been set aside for students and employees will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis Saturday once the gates open at 12:30 p.m.

"We're expecting Saturday to be an awesome experience," Tillette said. "The students will be out in force and it's going to be packed. We're really excited about the opportunity to play in front of a full house, but it's going to be a challenge. Davidson is a very good team and we're definitely going to need everyone's support."

With Thursday's victory, Samford improved its record to 8-2 at home this season and avenged its earlier loss to Georgia Southern (7-11, 5-5 SoCon). The Bulldogs' win also snapped a five-game losing streak versus the Eagles.

Samford finished with four players scoring in double figures and were led by Trey Montgomery's 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the floor. The Bulldogs' junior point guard from Destrehan, La., also added a game-high seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Montgomery also improved his SoCon-leading 3-point percentage to 47.8 percent on Thursday as he finished 2-for-4 from beyond the arc and 3-for-3 from free-throw range.

"I thought we did a really good job in transition," said Tillette. "We were able to hit some big shots on the break and that really gave us an edge. It allowed us to do some positive things and Trey (Montgomery) had another outstanding game. It's a process, and we're getting better, but Saturday will definitely be a big ballgame."

Samford's Bryan Friday compiled 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulldogs' junior forward also knocked down a pair of 3-point baskets. Sophomore Josh Davis tallied 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field, while senior Curtis West also added 10 points in a perfect 4-for-4 performance from the floor.

Georgia Southern's leading scorers were Tyler Troupe and Ben Drayton. Both of the Eagles' players finished with nine-points apiece. Trouple also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, four of which came on the offensive end of the court.

Samford led by as many as 13 points in the first half and held a 36-25 advantage at the intermission.

In the second half, the Bulldogs continued its stifling defensive performance and quickly extended its lead to 53-29 with 15:01 remaining. Georgia Southern would not get any closer than 21 points, 65-44, at the 4:42 mark.

Samford shot 48.1 percent from the field, while Georgia Southern only turned in a 35.2 shooting percentage. The Bulldogs were 9-for-23 from 3-point range. The Eagles were held to an 0-for-15 mark from beyond the arc, their worst performance of the season.

The Samford University basketball team will next be in action Saturday at 2 p.m., as the Bulldogs host the Davidson Wildcats in a battle of first-place teams to be held in front of a sellout crowd in the Pete Hanna Center (5,000). The game will also be televised live on SportSouth and fans are encouraged to wear WHITE.