CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Samford men's basketball team rode a five-game winning streak into action tonight at The Citadel. Samford looked like they were on their way to an easy victory in the second half, but had to withstand a furious Citadel comeback as they held on for a 78-75 victory. Samford improves to 16-12 overall, 9-6 in Southern Conference play.

The opening 20 minutes saw each side looking for rhythm. Never side was able to separate as Samford was solid from the floor, shooting 47 percent, but despite a few scoring bursts from Jadin Booth and Cade Norris, the Bulldogs struggled to knock down shots from the perimeter, hitting just 21 percent from beyond the arc in the first half. 

Samford appeared to be pulling away late in the first half, going up 31-26 before the home side knocked down three triples and took a 34-31 lead into the break.

Samford erupted out of the locker room with a dynamic offensive surge, shooting 56 percent from the field and 60 percent from deep. The Bulldogs opened the half on a decisive run, flipping the deficit into a 44-40 advantage by the 15-minute mark. Zion Wilburn provided an instant spark off the bench, ultimately pouring in a career-high 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including two huge three-pointers. Cade Norris delivered a career-best 19 points, going 7-of-9 and burying three from long range as Samford's lead ballooned to as many as 19 points with five minutes left.

As good as Samford played the previous 15 minutes, they struggled down the stretch as they went cold from the line, committed turnovers against the press, and couldn't pick up a stop against The Citadel. Wilburn was able to knock down enough from the line late as the Dogs escaped with a three-point win.

Booth finished with 18 points while Dylan Faulkner kept his double-double streak alive, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Keaton Norris finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and six assists. 

The Bulldogs have a quick turnaround as they have a big contest on the road at Mercer. Samford is tied with the Bears at 9-6 after Mercer lost their first home game of the season to Chattanooga tonight.

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