Samford Bulldogs Hold Off The Citadel Bulldogs 78-75 Behind Cade Norris's 19 Points

The Citadel Bulldogs came into this game with a clear disadvantage, having lost 4 of their last 5 games, including a 64-78 loss to Samford just a few weeks ago, and their recent trend of averaging 63.2 points per game over the last 5 games did not bode well for their chances against a Samford team that has been on a tear, winning all 5 of their last games, including an 88-74 win over Western Carolina, and outscoring their opponents by an average of 15 points per game. Despite this, The Citadel managed to keep the game close, trailing by just 3 points at halftime, 31-34, and they even managed to take the lead in the second half, but Samford's offense was too much for them to handle, as they scored 47 points in the second half, led by Cade Norris's 19 points, and Jadin Booth's 18 points, including 5 rebounds. The Citadel's Braxton Williams had a game-high 22 points, but it was not enough to overcome Samford's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures, including Zion Wilburn, who added 18 points.

As the game wore on, it became clear that Samford's recent form was going to be a major factor, as they have been averaging 82.8 points per game over their last 5 games, and their defense has been stout, allowing just 67.8 points per game, and this game was no exception, as they held The Citadel to just 75 points, despite allowing them to shoot 45% from the field, and The Citadel's Sola Adebisi had a strong game, with 13 points and 9 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Samford's offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders lately, with 5 players averaging in double figures over their last 5 games. The Citadel, on the other hand, has been struggling to find consistency, with only 2 players averaging in double figures over their last 5 games, and their lack of depth was evident in this game, as they were outscored by 6 points in the second half.

The stat line does not do justice to the performances of some of the players in this game, as Cade Norris's 19 points were not just about the numbers, but about the timing of his shots, as he hit several big shots late to help seal the win for Samford, and Jadin Booth's 18 points were not just about the scoring, but about the rebounding and defense he provided, as he grabbed 5 rebounds and helped to limit The Citadel's scoring opportunities, and Zion Wilburn's 18 points were a key factor in Samford's win, as he provided a spark off the bench, and helped to stretch The Citadel's defense with his outside shooting, and The Citadel's Braxton Williams had a strong game, with 22 points, but he disappeared in the second half, scoring just 6 points, and Sola Adebisi's 13 points and 9 rebounds were not enough to overcome Samford's balanced attack.

The Citadel's recent trend of struggling to score has been a major concern, as they have averaged just 63.2 points per game over their last 5 games, and this game was no exception, as they were held to just 75 points, despite shooting 45% from the field, and Samford's defense was a key factor in this game, as they held The Citadel to just 41% shooting from three, and forced them into 12 turnovers, which led to 15 points for Samford, and The Citadel's lack of depth was evident in this game, as they were outscored by 6 points in the second half, and Samford's bench outscored The Citadel's bench 15-10, which was a key factor in the game.

The CHD Scout predicted Samford to win by 14.4 points, and while they did win, it was by a much closer margin of 3 points, and the reason for this was The Citadel's ability to keep the game close, despite their recent struggles, and Samford's offense was not as efficient as it has been in recent games, as they shot just 42% from the field, and 33% from three, and The Citadel's defense was able to limit Samford's scoring opportunities, and force them into 11 turnovers, which led to 12 points for The Citadel, and the game was much closer than expected, with The Citadel having several chances to take the lead in the second half, but Samford's defense was able to hold strong, and secure the win.

The Citadel's lack of consistency has been a major concern, as they have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and their recent trend of averaging 63.2 points per game over the last 5 games has been a major factor in their struggles, and Samford's recent form has been a key factor in their success, as they have won all 5 of their last games, and outscored their opponents by an average of 15 points per game, and this game was no exception, as they outscored The Citadel by 3 points, despite being outshot from the field, and The Citadel's Sola Adebisi had a strong game, with 13 points and 9 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Samford's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures.

As the season wears on, it is becoming clear that Samford is a team to watch, as they have won 16 games, and are currently ranked 207 in the NET rankings, and this win over The Citadel, who are ranked 350 in the NET rankings, is a key factor in their tournament picture, as it gives them a 3-point win over a team that is struggling to find consistency, and Samford's recent form has been a major factor in their success, as they have won all 5 of their last games, and outscored their opponents by an average of 15 points per game, and this game was no exception, as they outscored The Citadel by 3 points, despite being outshot from the field.

This win for Samford is a key factor in their tournament picture, as it gives them a 3-point win over a team that is struggling to find consistency, and it improves their record to 16-12, and their NET ranking to 207, and it also gives them a quad 4 win, which is a key factor in the tournament selection process, and The Citadel's loss drops them to 9-19, and their NET ranking to 350, and it also gives them a quad 4 loss, which is a major blow to their tournament hopes, and Samford's win over The Citadel is a key factor in their tournament picture, as it gives them a win over a team that is struggling to find consistency, and it improves their record to 16-12, and their NET ranking to 207, and it also gives them a quad 4 win, which is a key factor in the tournament selection process.

The Citadel's lack of consistency has been a major concern, as they have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and their recent trend of averaging 63.2 points per game over the last 5 games has been a major factor in their struggles, and Samford's recent form has been a key factor in their success, as they have won all 5 of their last games, and outscored their opponents by an average of 15 points per game, and this game was no exception, as they outscored The Citadel by 3 points, despite being outshot from the field, and The Citadel's Sola Adebisi had a strong game, with 13 points and 9 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Samford's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures, and Samford's win over The Citadel is a key factor in their tournament picture, as it gives them a win over a team that is struggling to find consistency, and it improves their record to 16-12, and their NET ranking to 207, and it also gives them a quad 4 win, which is a key factor in the tournament selection process.