UNC Greensboro Triumphs Over Samford in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Bodford Arena
UNC Greensboro Spartans 89, Samford Bulldogs 82, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Samford Bulldogs vs UNC Greensboro Spartans?
UNC Greensboro Spartans beat Samford Bulldogs 89-82 at Bodford Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Samford Bulldogs vs UNC Greensboro Spartans?
Samford Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
The UNC Greensboro Spartans secured a hard-fought victory against the Samford Bulldogs, finishing the game with a score of 89-82. This matchup, held at Bodford Arena, showcased the Spartans' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, improving their home record to 5-2 in their last seven games at home. The win also marked the Spartans' third consecutive victory, following a two-game winning streak that included notable performances against Chattanooga Mocs and Virginia Lynchburg Dragons.
In terms of recent form, the Spartans have been performing well, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They have averaged 81.5 points scored per game while allowing 73.6 points. Their last five games have been particularly impressive, as they averaged 89.0 points scored and only 67.2 points allowed. This offensive surge has been a key factor in their recent success, particularly at home.
On the other side, the Samford Bulldogs entered this game with a record of 8-7 overall and a four-game winning streak, having won six of their last ten games. They averaged 76.0 points scored and allowed 71.8 points during this stretch. Their recent performances included a strong showing against VMI Keydets, where they won 78-58, and a dominant victory against Reinhardt Eagles, winning 85-49. However, the Bulldogs struggled on the road, holding a 3-3 record in away games this season.
The two teams had previously met twice in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game. The Spartans won the most recent encounter on March 1, 2025, with a score of 108-100, while the Bulldogs had taken the earlier matchup on January 11, 2025, winning 76-69. This history added an extra layer of competitiveness to their latest clash.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this encounter. This allowed for a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their best players.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bulldogs favored by 2.5 points, indicating a close contest was expected. The total points line was set at 151.5, reflecting the anticipated offensive capabilities of both teams. The moneyline odds showed UNC Greensboro at +120 and Samford at -142, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the matchup.
Conditions on the day of the game were not detailed in the block, but the indoor setting of Bodford Arena typically provides a consistent environment for basketball, free from external weather influences.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half, where the Spartans managed to maintain their lead despite a late push from the Bulldogs. Key moments included Jadin Booth's contributions from the free-throw line and a crucial three-point jumper that kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. However, Justin Neely's driving layup and subsequent free throws helped solidify the Spartans' lead, ultimately sealing the victory.
Overall, this game highlighted the Spartans' resilience and ability to perform under pressure at home, while the Bulldogs will look to regroup after a hard-fought battle.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SAM -2.5 | 151.5 o -112 / u -108 | Samford Bulldogs -142 · UNC Greensboro Spartans +120 |
Leaders
- PointsJustin Neely22UNC Greensboro Spartans
- AssistsJustin Neely3UNC Greensboro Spartans
- ReboundsJustin Neely14UNC Greensboro Spartans
- PointsJadin Booth26Samford Bulldogs
- AssistsKeaton Norris5Samford Bulldogs
- ReboundsCade Norris9Samford Bulldogs
Recent form
UNC Greensboro Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W281.5 scored · 73.6 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W77-72vs Chattanooga MocsJan 1
- W131-53vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsDec 21
- L65-71vs North Carolina A&T AggiesDec 17
- W90-62vs William Peace PacersDec 13
- W82-78at East Carolina PiratesDec 6
- L77-82at UNC Asheville BulldogsDec 3
- L71-82vs Miami (OH) RedHawksNov 26
- L60-73at Delaware Blue HensNov 25
- W68-62vs Youngstown State PenguinsNov 23
- L94-101at Queens University RoyalsNov 21
Samford Bulldogs
Last 10: 6-4Streak W476 scored · 71.8 allowed per game3-3 away
- W78-58at VMI KeydetsJan 1
- W85-49vs Reinhardt EaglesDec 19
- W106-51vs Bryan LionsDec 15
- W93-90vs Cornell Big RedDec 8
- L57-83at VCU RamsDec 6
- L45-89at Utah Valley WolverinesNov 26
- W78-63at Georgia State PanthersNov 25
- L72-81at New Mexico State AggiesNov 22
- L62-77vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 20
- W84-77at Central Arkansas BearsNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Samford Bulldogs | UNC Greensboro Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-60 | 28-59 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 10-30 | 11-16 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 69 |
| Free throws | 14-24 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 27 |
| Assists | 19 | 12 |
| Steals | 1 | 4 |
| Blocks | 6 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 2 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 20 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-55Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-55Keaton Norris makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dylan Faulkner assists)
- 2nd Half44-57Justin Neely makes 11-foot jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Cade Norris makes layup (Jaxon Pollard assists)
- 2nd Half47-59Clinton Efinda makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-59Jadin Booth makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Pollard assists)
- 2nd Half50-61Clinton Efinda makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-61Jaxon Pollard makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-62Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-64Clinton Efinda makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Justin Neely assists)
- 2nd Half52-65Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-66Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Jadin Booth makes 28-foot three point jumper (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half55-68KJ Younger makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half58-68Jadin Booth makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Norris assists)
- 2nd Half58-70Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-70Dylan Faulkner makes layup (Isaiah Campbell-Finch assists)
- 2nd Half60-72Lilian Marville makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-72Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-72Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-72Jadin Booth makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-75Noah Norgaard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Lilian Marville assists)
- 2nd Half65-75Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-78Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-78Jadin Booth makes 26-foot three point jumper (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half70-78Jaxon Pollard makes layup
- 2nd Half70-81Noah Norgaard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half72-81Jadin Booth makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half72-84KJ Younger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half74-84Cade Norris makes layup (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half75-84Jadin Booth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-84Jadin Booth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-84Jadin Booth makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half79-86Justin Neely makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-87Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-87Keaton Norris makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cade Norris assists)
- 2nd Half82-88Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-89Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UNC Greensboro Spartans, below favours Samford Bulldogs.
Venue
- Bodford ArenaGreensboro, NC
- Attendance439
- OfficialsRyan Christian, Matt Jarman, Jordan Arnold
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond