BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Samford women's basketball delivered a statement win Thursday afternoon at the Pete Hanna Center, knocking off Southern Conference leader Chattanooga 77-70 in a wire-to-wire upset. The Bulldogs improved their record to 13-17 with the victory, while snapping a one-game skid and avenging a 21-point loss to the Mocs earlier in the month.
Samford set the tone early with the opening bucket and never surrendered the lead, entering halftime up 41-31. The Bulldogs extended their lead to as many as 18 points in the third quarter, sparked by a timely three-pointer from Briana Rivera. Chattanooga closed the gap in the fourth quarter, but Samford weathered the rally with clutch free throws from Rivera and Sierra Godbolt in the final minute to secure the win.
The Bulldogs' offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 46.2 percent from the field and an impressive 43.5 percent from beyond the arc, knocking down 10 three-pointers. Samford also converted 19 of 26 free throws and racked up 16 assists on 24 made baskets. The lead never changed hands, with Samford controlling the game for nearly 38 minutes and holding Chattanooga to just 19 percent from three-point range.
Godbolt led a balanced Bulldog attack with 18 points, including 6-of-7 from the line, and dished out five assists. Rivera, the nation's leader in three-pointers made, added 16 points and hit four triples. Emily Bowman dominated the paint with 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Francie Morris contributed seven points and a game-high seven assists. The bench chipped in with 16 points to bolster the team effort.
On the defensive end, the Bulldogs' discipline showed, drawing 22 fouls from the Mocs and limiting them to just four made three-pointers. Samford held firm through Chattanooga's late surge, outscoring the visitors 13-7 in fast break points and maintaining poise in crucial moments. The win snapped Chattanooga's winning streak and marked a signature performance for the Bulldogs.
Samford (13-17) returns to the Pete Hanna Center for Senior Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, as the Bulldogs host ETSU. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
