Box Score
Updated Stats

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford University basketball team suffered its first home loss in nearly six weeks Thursday as the Bulldogs dropped a 90-72 decision against the ETSU Buccaneers in an early-season Southern Conference matchup held at the Pete Hanna Center.
 
With the loss, Samford (5-10, 1-1 SoCon) moved to 5-2 in home contests this season and had its four-game winning streak snapped at the Hanna Center. Following a 77-71 loss to Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 24, the Bulldogs proved to be victorious in consecutive games against Mississippi Valley State, Thomas University, Asbury University and Chattanooga.

ETSU (11-4, 2-0 SoCon) extended its winning streak to five straight outings and earned its ninth victory in 10 games, with its lone loss since Nov. 22, occurring at No. 10 Xavier, 68-66, on Dec. 16.
 
Thursday's contest proved to be a back-and-forth affair for a predominant portion of the first half before the Buccaneers used a 7-0 run in the latter stages of the period to garner a 35-25 advantage with 4:42 remaining until the intermission. During ETSU's run, Desonta Bradford knocked down a jumper, David Burrell connected on a 3-point basket and then knocked down a pair of free throws.
 
The Buccaneers led at the half, 44-34. ETSU shot a sizzling 64 percent from the field in the first period, while Samford shot 41.4 percent.
 
Early in the second half, the Buccaneers built a 59-39 advantage in the contest and were able to hang on for the 90-72 win.
 
Bradford led his squad with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, while 7-foot center Peter Jurkin followed with 15 points in 14 minutes of playing time.
 
Samford was paced offensively by senior Alex Thompson's 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Thompson started the game for the Bulldogs and added two rebounds and a steal in 34 minutes of playing time.
 
Sophomore guard Josh Sharkey turned in a solid outing Thursday with 11 points, nine assists and four rebounds off the bench, while Justin Coleman and Triston Chambers both finished with 10 points apiece. The Bulldogs' Demetrius Denzel-Dyson and Kevion Nolan also chipped in with seven points each.
 
The Samford University basketball team will next be in action Saturday at 7 p.m. (CT) as the Bulldogs conclude play in their key three-game SoCon homestand against the Western Carolina Catamounts. The contest will be held at the Pete Hanna Center and broadcast live on ESPN3.
 
For quick score updates, breaking news and links to all of your favorite articles featuring the Bulldogs, please follow @SamfordHoopsFOE and @Samford_Sports on Twitter.

Box Score
Updated Stats