BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford women's basketball delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor Thursday evening at Pete Hanna Center, overwhelming Western Carolina 73-50.

The Bulldogs broke open a close contest with a game-changing third quarter, moving their record to 9-16 on the season.

Samford jumped out to an early 17-11 lead after the first quarter, controlling the pace with active defense and balanced scoring. Western Carolina cut into the margin before halftime, but the Bulldogs still held a 28-25 advantage at the break. Everything shifted after intermission as Samford exploded for 26 points in the third quarter, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Briana Rivera to ignite a decisive run. The Bulldogs' suffocating pressure forced Western Carolina into turnovers, and Martha Bishop punctuated the surge with a steal and fast break layup to push the lead to double digits.

Samford's momentum only grew in the fourth quarter as the lead swelled to as many as 28 points following a late three-pointer from Bishop. The Bulldogs finished the contest with a season-high 16 steals and connected on 12 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 46.2 percent from beyond the arc. The bench played a pivotal role, outscoring Western Carolina's 30-3, while Samford turned defense into offense by converting 30 points off turnovers.

Rivera had a standout night, leading all scorers with 18 points, including six made threes, and dishing out five assists. Bishop was a force on both ends, posting 15 points, nine rebounds and a remarkable seven steals. Francie Morris added 13 points, five rebounds and four assists, shooting 55 percent from the field.

Samford will look to keep the momentum rolling as they return to Pete Hanna Center Saturday to host UNC Greensboro. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.