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Samford University Athletics

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF SAMFORD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
WBB huddle at 2026 NCAA Tournament
53
Samford SU 16-19,6-8 SoCon
65
Winner Southern U. SU 20-13,12-6 SWAC
Samford SU
16-19,6-8 SoCon
53
Final
65
Southern U. SU
20-13,12-6 SWAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Samford SU 8 16 20 9 53
Southern U. SU 11 16 17 21 65

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Samford Falls to Southern in NCAA Tournament

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Samford women's basketball saw its season come to an end in the NCAA Tournament, falling 65-53 to Southern University on Thursday evening at Colonial Life Arena. The Bulldogs finished the year with a 16-19 record after a resilient effort on the national stage.

Samford opened the game with a slow first quarter, trailing 11-8 after 10 minutes. The offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, matching the Jaguars point-for-point and keeping the difference at three entering halftime, 27-24. Out of the break, the Bulldogs put together their strongest stretch of the night, outscoring Southern 20-17 in the third quarter and knotting the game at 44 heading into the final period. However, the momentum shifted in the fourth as Southern delivered a decisive 21-9 run, pulling away and bringing Samford's postseason journey to a close.

Turnovers proved costly for the Bulldogs, who committed 19 compared to the Jaguars' 10, resulting in 20 Southern points off turnovers. Samford also faced a significant disadvantage in the paint, with Southern outscoring the Bulldogs 34-12 inside. Despite these challenges, Samford remained perfect at the foul line, converting all nine free-throw attempts, and the bench contributed 20 points.

Briana Rivera led the Bulldogs with 16 points, hitting three three-pointers and a perfect 3-for-3 at the stripe. Freshman Kaylee Yarbrough added 11 points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench, while Francie Morris chipped in eight points and two assists. 

The Bulldogs' NCAA Tournament appearance caps a season that included a three-game Southern Conference Tournament winning streak and a determined run to the postseason. While the journey ends in Columbia, the squad exits with pride after displaying competitive spirit and resilience on the national stage.

FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS

For the latest news and information on Samford women's basketball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordWBB (Facebook) and @SamfordWBB (Twitter).

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