Samford Bulldogs Defeat UNC Greensboro Spartans 87-78
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Pete Hanna Center
Samford Bulldogs 87, UNC Greensboro Spartans 78, 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 UNC Greensboro Spartans vs Samford Bulldogs?
Samford Bulldogs beat UNC Greensboro Spartans 87-78 at Pete Hanna Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in UNC Greensboro Spartans vs Samford Bulldogs?
Samford Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Pete Hanna Center, the Samford Bulldogs secured a victory over the UNC Greensboro Spartans with a final score of 87-78. This game was notable not only for the competitive spirit displayed but also for the implications it held in the context of both teams' seasons. The Bulldogs, with a home record of 18-13, have shown strong form recently, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, including a current winning streak of one. They averaged 80.6 points scored per game while allowing 70.6 points, highlighting their offensive prowess and defensive capabilities.
In contrast, the Spartans, who finished the season with a 13-18 record, have had a more inconsistent performance, going 5-5 in their last ten games. They entered this matchup with a scoring average of 78.5 points but allowed a higher average of 81.5 points, indicating struggles on the defensive end. The Spartans' recent form included a notable win against the Chattanooga Mocs just prior to this game, which may have provided them with a confidence boost.
Historically, this fixture has seen the Bulldogs and Spartans face off three times in the last two seasons, with Samford holding a 1-2 record against UNC Greensboro. The last encounter on January 3, 2026, ended in a loss for the Bulldogs, who fell 82-89 in Greensboro. However, the Bulldogs managed to turn the tables in this home game, showcasing their improvement since the last meeting.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams typically face challenges in maintaining a healthy roster throughout the season. The absence of key players can significantly impact team dynamics, especially in a tightly contested game like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bulldogs favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The moneyline odds reflected a strong belief in a Bulldogs victory, with Samford at -455 and UNC Greensboro at +350. This context added an extra layer of intrigue for fans and analysts alike, as the Bulldogs were expected to perform well at home.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up significant points. The Bulldogs' last five games had seen them average 84.6 points scored while allowing 75.4, while the Spartans averaged 85.6 points scored and 83.6 points allowed in their last five. This suggests that both teams were capable of offensive outbursts, which was evident in the final score.
As the game progressed, key moments included several impressive three-point shots, particularly from Jadin Booth, who made crucial long-range baskets in the second half. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the Bulldogs' lead as they pulled away late in the game. The Spartans attempted to rally with free throws from Lilian Marville, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, the Bulldogs' victory solidifies their strong home record and demonstrates their ability to compete effectively against conference opponents. This win could serve as a springboard for further success as they move closer to the postseason.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SAM -8.5 | 156.5 o -112 / u -108 | UNC Greensboro Spartans +350 · Samford Bulldogs -455 |
Leaders
- PointsJadin Booth40Samford Bulldogs
- AssistsKeaton Norris7Samford Bulldogs
- ReboundsDylan Faulkner11Samford Bulldogs
- PointsLilian Marville21UNC Greensboro Spartans
- AssistsLilian Marville3UNC Greensboro Spartans
- ReboundsValentino Pinedo8UNC Greensboro Spartans
Recent form
Samford Bulldogs
Last 10: 8-2Streak W180.6 scored · 70.6 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W80-61vs VMI KeydetsFeb 27
- L86-89at Mercer BearsFeb 21
- W78-75at The Citadel BulldogsFeb 20
- W82-72at East Tennessee State BuccaneersFeb 14
- W97-80vs Wofford TerriersFeb 12
- W69-49vs Mercer BearsFeb 7
- W78-64vs The Citadel BulldogsFeb 6
- W88-74at Western Carolina CatamountsFeb 1
- L73-78at Furman PaladinsJan 29
- W75-64vs Chattanooga MocsJan 24
UNC Greensboro Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W178.5 scored · 81.5 allowed per game2-3 away
- W85-80at Chattanooga MocsFeb 27
- L75-87vs East Tennessee State BuccaneersFeb 21
- L77-91at Western Carolina CatamountsFeb 19
- W99-89vs Wofford TerriersFeb 14
- W92-71vs VMI KeydetsFeb 12
- W67-64at Furman PaladinsFeb 8
- W81-78vs Western Carolina CatamountsFeb 4
- L66-71at The Citadel BulldogsJan 31
- L77-95at Mercer BearsJan 30
- L66-89vs Furman PaladinsJan 23
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 | UNC Greensboro Spartans | Samford Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-63 | 31-62 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 11-20 | 18-35 |
| Three-point % | 55 | 51 |
| Free throws | 15-22 | 7-10 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 31 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 24 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 20 |
| Fouls | 10 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half38-48Dylan Faulkner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half38-50Jadin Booth makes layup (Keaton Norris assists)
- 1st Half41-50Lilian Marville makes 24-foot three pointer (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half41-51Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-52Dylan Faulkner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-52Clinton Efinda makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half43-54Dylan Faulkner makes 6-foot hook shot (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half45-54Valentino Pinedo makes layup
- 2nd Half45-55Jadin Booth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-56Jadin Booth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-56Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half48-56Valentino Pinedo makes layup (Lilian Marville assists)
- 2nd Half49-56Valentino Pinedo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-56Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (KJ Younger assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Cade Norris makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-61Cade Norris makes layup (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half52-64Jadin Booth makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half55-64Noah Norgaard makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half57-64Valentino Pinedo makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half57-67Zion Wilburn makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Campbell-Finch assists)
- 2nd Half59-67Valentino Pinedo makes layup
- 2nd Half62-67Noah Norgaard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Lilian Marville assists)
- 2nd Half62-69Isaiah Campbell-Finch makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-69Lilian Marville makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half64-72Isaiah Campbell-Finch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half64-74Isaiah Campbell-Finch makes layup
- 2nd Half64-76Zion Wilburn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-79Jadin Booth makes 29-foot three point jumper (Will Shaver assists)
- 2nd Half65-79Clinton Efinda makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-79Clinton Efinda makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-79Donald Whitehead Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-81Keaton Norris makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half68-84Jadin Booth makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half68-87Jadin Booth makes 30-foot three point jumper (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half69-87Lilian Marville makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-87Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-87Lilian Marville makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-87Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-87Lilian Marville makes 25-foot three point jumper (Valentino Pinedo assists)
- 2nd Half78-87KJ Younger makes 29-foot three point jumper (Lilian Marville assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Samford Bulldogs, below favours UNC Greensboro Spartans.
Venue
- Pete Hanna CenterHomewood, AL
- Attendance1875
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond