BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford Bulldogs are gearing up for their toughest test of the season as they travel to Michigan State to face the formidable Spartans, a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 PM CST, with the Bulldogs (4-1) looking to make history against the Spartans (3-1).
Here's ads banner inside a post
Bulldogs: Peak Performance and the Quest for Upset
The Samford Bulldogs enter this matchup on a high note, following a commanding 97-82 victory over Texas Southern, marking their 21st consecutive home win. Rylan Jones, shining in top form, scored 18 points and dished out eight assists, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive win.
With a strong roster, Samford is proving to be one of the nation’s most dynamic teams, showcasing remarkable offensive stats:
- 7th nationwide in scoring, averaging 97.6 points per game.
- Top 35 in assists per game (18.6).
- 20th in fast-break points (20.8 per game).
- 13th in bench points, averaging 42 points per game.
Jaden Brownell, leading the Bulldogs with 15.6 points per game, continues to be the team’s offensive spearhead. Meanwhile, Rylan Jones ranks 5th nationwide in assists (34), and Josh Holloway has cracked the top 20 with 11 steals over five games this season.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The Bulldogs also demonstrated their prowess from beyond the arc, hitting 20 of 44 three-pointers in their win against Texas Southern.
First-Ever Meeting with the Spartans
This game marks the first encounter between the Bulldogs and Spartans. Historically, Samford has struggled against Big Ten opponents, with their only win coming in the 2015-16 season against Nebraska.
While the Bulldogs have delivered memorable performances on the road this season, including a narrow loss to Cornell and an overtime thriller against North Alabama, Michigan State represents a whole new level of competition.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Michigan State: Experience and Tradition of Excellence
The Spartans, holding a 3-1 record this season, have been dominant at home with three straight wins. Under the guidance of veteran head coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State has reached 26 NCAA tournaments in the past 29 years.
Jaden Akins, leading the Spartans with an average of 12.0 points per game, is joined by two other double-digit scorers, making them a formidable challenge for the Bulldogs’ defense. Michigan State was ranked 5th in the Big Ten preseason media poll and is poised for another strong season.
Key Highlights and Matchup Predictions
For the Bulldogs to compete, they will need standout performances from stars like Brownell and Jones to break through Michigan State’s seasoned defense. This game is not only an opportunity for Samford to make history but also an important test of their ambitions this season.
The game will air on Peacock, with live stats available online for fans to follow.
Can the Samford Bulldogs overcome the odds to secure a historic win against Michigan State? All will be revealed on Tuesday night!
