On Feb. 4, the ETSU men’s basketball team played Samford in a Southern Conference matchup and fell short with a final score of 73-62. With this loss, ETSU falls to 9-16 overall with a 5-7 record in conference play. Samford moves to 16-9 with a 10-2 record against conference opponents.
Coming into the game, ETSU was 8-0 when playing Samford on their home court, but in a physical game with 40 total fouls and two technical fouls, Samford was able to flip the script.
Samford took control of the game early, scoring the first eight points of the game, which turned into a 19-point lead for the Bulldogs. At the end of the first half, ETSU was trailing 39-29.
While the Bucs shot a better percentage from the field, Samford was able to capitalize when the Bucs turned the ball over. ETSU had a total of 19 turnovers, which resulted in 25 points for Samford and helped them secure the win.
ETSU found themselves trailing 60-36 in the second half, but a 19-6 run brought them within 11 with three minutes remaining in the game. While the Bucs were still battling until the final buzzer, they were unable to get any closer than 11 against the Bulldogs.
Samford was able to get to make 26 of their 33 attempts from the free throw line, while ETSU went 10-16 from the charity stripe.
ETSU was led by Jalen Haynes (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) with game-highs in points (22) and rebounds (9). Jamarius Hairston (Salisbury, N.C.) had an efficient game from beyond the arc, shooting 4-9 and finishing with 14 total points. ETSU held Samford’s best scorers, Ques Glover and Logan Dye, well below their average, forcing other players to step up for the Bulldogs.
ETSU’s season will continue on Feb. 7 in an away SoCon matchup against UNC-Greensboro. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and the game can be watched on ESPNU.
