NCAAB · Final

Samford Bulldogs Defeat VMI Keydets 80-61

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Pete Hanna Center

Samford Bulldogs 80, VMI Keydets 61, 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 VMI Keydets vs Samford Bulldogs?

Samford Bulldogs beat VMI Keydets 80-61 at Pete Hanna Center on February 26, 2026.

Who was favored in VMI Keydets vs Samford Bulldogs?

Samford Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2100 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive matchup at the Pete Hanna Center, the Samford Bulldogs secured a comfortable victory over the VMI Keydets, winning 80-61. This game highlighted the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances, as the Bulldogs entered the contest with a solid record of 17-13, while the Keydets struggled with a dismal record of 6-24.

Samford's recent form has been commendable, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They averaged 80.4 points per game while allowing 73.3, indicating a strong offensive presence despite some defensive vulnerabilities. However, they faced a setback in their previous game, losing 89-86 against the Mercer Bears, which snapped a brief winning streak. In their last five games, the Bulldogs recorded an average of 82.4 points scored and allowed 73.0, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

In contrast, VMI's situation has been dire, as they have not won a game in their last ten outings, with a record of 0-10. Their scoring average during this stretch was 69.1 points, while they allowed a staggering 86.1 points per game, highlighting significant defensive issues. Their most recent loss came against the Western Carolina Catamounts, where they fell 81-62. Over their last five games, VMI averaged 70.2 points scored and 86.4 points allowed, further emphasizing their struggles.

When it comes to home and away records, Samford has performed well at home, holding a perfect 4-0 record in their last four home games. Conversely, VMI has struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-5 in their last five games, contributing to their overall poor performance this season.

The two teams have met three times in the last two seasons, with Samford winning all encounters. In their most recent meeting earlier this year, Samford triumphed 78-58, and in the previous season, they won 95-83 and 81-68, further establishing their dominance in this rivalry.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams suggests that VMI's struggles may be compounded by potential issues in their lineup. The betting market reflected Samford's strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 17.5-point favorites, indicating a clear expectation of their dominance in this matchup. The total points line was set at 155.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under, suggesting a belief in a relatively high-scoring game.

Conditions in the arena were standard for a basketball game, with no unusual weather or external factors reported that would impact play. Fans and viewers should have watched for Samford's offensive execution, particularly their ability to score from beyond the arc, as evidenced by Keaton Norris hitting multiple three-pointers in the second half, which helped to extend their lead.

Overall, the game served as a reminder of the disparities between the two programs this season, with Samford solidifying their place as a competitive team in the league while VMI continues to seek answers to their ongoing struggles.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	SAM -17.5	155.5 o -115 / u -105	VMI Keydets +1100 · Samford Bulldogs -2100

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDylan Faulkner22Samford Bulldogs
AssistsCade Norris6Samford Bulldogs
ReboundsDylan Faulkner11Samford Bulldogs
PointsTan Yildizoglu17VMI Keydets
AssistsTan Yildizoglu5VMI Keydets
ReboundsKaden Stuckey8VMI Keydets

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