In a shocking turn of events, Samford pulled off a stunning 88-74 upset over Western Carolina at the Ramsey Center, defying pre-game predictions that had Western Carolina favored by 1.3 points. The Bulldogs' impressive victory was fueled by a dominant performance from Dylan Faulkner, who tallied 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, leaving Western Carolina reeling.
The game got off to a competitive start, with Western Carolina trailing by just two points at halftime, 41-39. However, Samford came out strong in the second half, outscoring Western Carolina 47-35 to seal the win. The Bulldogs' offense was on fire, with Jadin Booth adding 18 points and Isaiah Campbell-Finch chipping in 13. Faulkner's all-around effort was the difference-maker, as he consistently found ways to score, rebound, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Western Carolina, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace with Samford's high-powered offense. Cord Stansberry led the Catamounts with 13 points, while Julien Soumaoro and Tahlan Pettway added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Despite their best efforts, Western Carolina couldn't overcome Samford's balanced attack and Faulkner's outstanding play.
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Final
The upset victory is a significant blow to Western Carolina's resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 loss for the Catamounts. On the other hand, Samford's win is also a Quadrant 4 victory, but it's a much-needed boost to their tournament chances. The Bulldogs' record improves to 11-12, while Western Carolina falls to 8-13.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Western Carolina winning by 1.3 points, was wildly inaccurate. The actual margin of victory was a whopping 14 points, a reflection of Samford's impressive performance. The Bulldogs' ability to pull off the upset on the road is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
As the season enters its final stretch, this result has real consequences for both teams. Western Carolina's loss hurts their chances of making a deep run in their conference tournament, while Samford's win keeps them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth. The Bulldogs' resume, while still a work in progress, now includes a notable road win over a conference opponent.
In the end, Samford's upset victory over Western Carolina is a statement win for the Bulldogs, and a wake-up call for the Catamounts. With Faulkner leading the charge, Samford has proven they can compete with anyone on the road. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, this result will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams' chances of making a deep run.