GAME NOTES--SAMFORD AT WESTERN CAROLINA (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford men's basketball team will travel to Cullowhee, N.C., to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts in a battle of SoCon leaders Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. (CT) in the Ramsey Center.
 
Samford and Western Carolina are currently tied for first place in the Southern Conference standings. Both teams have overall records of 15-2 and SoCon records of 4-0. Samford has won a school-record 15-straight games, tied for the current national lead, while Western Carolina has won nine-straight contests.
 
Samford and Western Carolina have met 30 previous times, with Samford owning a 16-14 series lead. Samford won both meetings last season, winning, 74-65 in Birmingham, and, 85-77 in Cullowhee.
 
Samford most recently hosted VMI Saturday night in the Pete Hanna Center. The Bulldogs earned a 134-96 win over the Keydets in Saturday night's contest. Samford's 134 points against VMI set a new school record. The team also tied the school record for made field goals with 52.
 
So far this season, Samford has been led by junior Achor Achor, averaging 15.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories. Junior A.J. Staton-McCray is averaging 13.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Rylan Jones leads the team in assists, dishing out 5.4 assists per contest.
 
Entering this week, Samford leads the nation in both scoring (91.5 ppg.) and bench points per game (39.65 ppg.). The Bulldogs also rank in the top 10 in the nation in three-point percentage (3rd-40.8), three-pointers per game (7th-10.9), turnovers forced per game (6th-18.29), assists per game (3rd-20.3) and fastbreak points per game (2nd-18.65).
 
Samford currently leads the Southern Conference in scoring (91.5 ppg.), scoring margin (+16.2), field goal percentage (.499), three-point field goal percentage (.408), three-pointers made per game (10.9), free throw percentage (.738), turnover margin (3.88), assists (20.29 pg.) and steals (11.35 pg.).
 
The Catamounts played at Mercer Saturday, defeating the Bears by a score of 64-52. Western Carolina has been led this season by Vonterius Woolbright, averaging 20.6 points, 12.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Tre Jackson is scoring 13.5 points per game so far this season for the Catamounts. D.J. Campbell is averaging 12.0 points per game, while Russell Jones Jr. averages 11.5 points per contest for Western Carolina.
 
The game can be seen live on the CBS Sports Network and live stats will also be available. For links to watch and follow all of Samford's games this season, click on the following link: 2023-24 MBB SCHEDULE.
 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS
For the latest news and information on Samford men's basketball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordMBB (Twitter), and @SamfordMBB (Instagram).