SAMFORD vs. MERCER -- GAME NOTES (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford men's basketball hosts Mercer on Saturday afternoon in the Southern Conference. The game is set for a 5 p.m. tip as the Bulldogs enter with a 12-12 record while Mercer carries a 15-9 mark overall on the season.

Samford and Mercer are meeting for the 129th time, with Mercer leading the all-time series 75-53. They face each other for the first time this season and each sit in the middle of the SoCon standings. 

The Bulldogs have a quick turnaround after defeating The Citadel 78-64 on Thursday night. Samford shot 51 percent from the floor against The Citadel, reaching over 50 percent in the second-straight game. Five players scored in double figures, led by Jadin Booth, who scored 15 points. Dylan Faulkner added 14 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double. Samford got strong contributions outside of their star duo, as starters Isaiah Campbell-Finch scored 11 points and Kam Martin scored 14 off the bench. Keaton Norris bounced back from a scoreless game at Western Carolina to score 13 points with six rebounds, eight assists, and zero turnovers.

The Bulldogs have knocked down double-digit threes in three of their last four contests. The Dogs move up into a tie for fifth place in the SoCon. Jadin Booth continues to be one of the best shooters in the country, leading the nation in three pointers per game with 4.05. Frontcourt anchor Dylan Fulghum is among the league's most efficient scorers (51.2% FG, No. 2 in SoCon) and ranks among the top shot blockers (No. 3 in SoCon).

Mercer enters the game with a 15-9 record on the season and is 7-4 in SoCon play. The Bears are coming off a 79-75 defeat at Chattanooga in their last game. Mercer is tied for third in the SoCon with Furman. Head coach Ryan Ridder is in his second season at Mercer and has already eclipsed his 14 wins last season. Mercer was picked to finish 8th in the SoCon Preseason Coaches Poll. They are led by Baraka Okojie, who averages 18.8 points per game.

The game can be seen on ESPN+ here and live stats can be followed here.

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