ATLANTA, Ga. — Samford women's basketball put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the early season on Tuesday afternoon, but a late Georgia State surge handed the Bulldogs a narrow 69–64 loss at the GSU Convocation Center.

This was Samford's second game in the Georgia State Thanksgiving MTE and puts the Bulldogs at 3-5 on the season.  

Samford was powered by a standout performance from Briana Rivera, who delivered a career-high 24 points, knocking down eight three-pointers and keeping the Bulldogs in striking distance throughout the second half. Jada Knight added a career-high 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds, repeatedly providing timely scoring inside the paint.

The Bulldogs' offensive rhythm was driven by a season-best 14 made threes, including clutch fourth quarter makes from Rivera and Alyssa Tarpley, helping Samford take a 61–57 lead with just over four minutes remaining. 

Senior center Emily Snoddy anchored the interior, finishing with 11 rebounds, four points, and a key block. Samford and Georgia State battled for boards and matched each other with 38 total rebounds apiece.

After a strong first half that featured balanced scoring and a 32–32 tie late in the second quarter, Samford took its first lead early in the third on a Rivera three. The Bulldogs led multiple times in the second half and held a four-point advantage in the final minutes before Georgia State responded.

Samford will return in action tomorrow for their final game of the Georgia State Thanksgiving MTE against Stony Brook at 1:30 p.m. The game can be followed via Live Stats.