Samford Bulldogs Aim to Extend Home Win Streak Against ETSU Buccaneers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Samford Bulldogs will host the East Tennessee State (ETSU) Buccaneers in a highly anticipated Southern Conference matchup at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Pete Hanna Center. The Bulldogs, boasting a 15-3 record, aim to extend their impressive 27-game home win streak, while the Buccaneers, at 10-8, seek to rebound from a recent loss.

Samford enters the game riding a wave of momentum, having won 11 of their last 12 contests. Their most recent victory came in a nail-biting 75-74 win over Mercer on Wednesday. Despite narrowly missing the over/under set by oddsmakers at 165 points, the Bulldogs showcased their resilience. Meanwhile, ETSU fell short against Furman, losing 73-70, marking their fifth consecutive defeat to the Paladins. The Buccaneers struggled with teamwork, recording only five assists—their lowest since February 2024.

One key factor to watch in Saturday’s game is three-point shooting. Samford has excelled from beyond the arc this season, averaging 11.6 three-pointers per game. ETSU, while slightly less prolific, has maintained a respectable average of 9 threes per game. This clash of strengths could determine the outcome of the matchup.

Oddsmakers favor Samford by 5.5 points, reflecting their strong performance this season. The Bulldogs have been favored in their last seven games, with a 3-3 record against the spread during that stretch. The over/under for the game is set at 155 points, aligning with expectations for a competitive contest.

Historically, Samford has dominated the series, winning six of their last 10 meetings against ETSU. However, the Buccaneers will look to disrupt the Bulldogs’ rhythm and snap their home win streak. Key players to watch include Samford’s Emily Bowman, who averages 11.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, and ETSU’s Braylyn Milton, who leads the Buccaneers with 12.2 points per game.

Fans can catch the action live on Fubo, a streaming service offering access to live sports and on-demand content. For those attending in person, tickets are available to witness this thrilling Southern Conference showdown.