GAME NOTES--SAMFORD AT TROY (PDF)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford women's basketball team will go on the road for the first time this season when the Bulldogs play at in-state rival Troy Tuesday evening. The game is set for a 5:15 p.m. start from Trojan Arena.
The Bulldogs and Trojans will meet for the 24th time, with Troy holding a 14-9 series lead. The teams met last season, with the Trojans winning, 66-62 in the Pete Hanna Center. Over the last 10 meetings between the two programs, the series is tied at 5-5.
The Bulldogs come into Tuesday night's game with a record of 2-0. Samford opened the season with a 78-51 win over AUM on Nov. 6, and then the Bulldogs defeated Central Arkansas, 65-62, Saturday afternoon.
So far this season, sophomore Masyn Marchbanks leads Samford, averaging 14.0 points per game. Marchbanks scored a career-high 24 points in the win over Central Arkansas. Sophomore Emily Bowman is averaging 11.5 points per game so far this season. She contributed a career-high 16 points in the season-opening win over AUM. Graduate transfers Lexie Pritchard and Sadie Stetson have both been key contributors so far. Pritchard is averaging 10.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. Stetson is scoring 7.0 points and grabbing 5.0 rebounds per contest.
Carley Kuhns is in her fifth season as head coach of Samford women's basketball. Kuhns enters Tuesday night's game with a record of 126-89 overall and 60-58 in her time at Samford. Entering this week, Samford leads the Southern Conference in three-point field goal percentage (.500) and blocked shots (4.5 pg.). The Bulldogs rank second in the league in field goal percentage (.484) and free throw percentage (.700).
Troy enters Tuesday night's game with a record of 0-1 on the young season. The Trojans opened the season with an 86-71 loss to Ball State on Saturday at Trojan Arena. In the season-opening loss to Ball State, Troy was led by Ja'Mia Hollings with 18 points and nine rebounds. Shaulana Wagner added 15 points and seven rebounds for the Trojans. Sharonica Hartsfield dished out 10 assists in the loss for Troy.
Last season, Troy posted a record of 17-13 overall and 12-6 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Trojans return all five starters from last year's squad. Makayia Hallmon is Troy's leading returning scorer, averaging 15.0 points per game last season. Nia Daniel and Hollings both averaged 12.7 points per game a year ago. Troy head coach Chanda Rigby is in her 13th season at Troy with a 209-132 record with the Trojans. She has a career record of 437-230.
Tuesday night's game can be seen live on ESPN+ and live stats will also be available online. For links to follow all of Samford's games this season, please click on the following link: 2023-24 SCHEDULE.
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS
For the latest news and information on Samford women's basketball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordWomensBasketball (Facebook), @SamfordWBB (Instagram) and @SamfordWBB (Twitter).
