Samford Bulldogs Edge Western Carolina Catamounts 82-77
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Pete Hanna Center
Samford Bulldogs 82, Western Carolina Catamounts 77, 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 Western Carolina Catamounts vs Samford Bulldogs?
Samford Bulldogs beat Western Carolina Catamounts 82-77 at Pete Hanna Center on January 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Carolina Catamounts vs Samford Bulldogs?
Samford Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup at the Pete Hanna Center, the Samford Bulldogs defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts 82-77. This victory marked another successful outing for Samford, who improved their home record to 10-7, while Western Carolina fell to 5-10 overall.
The Bulldogs entered the game with a mixed recent form, holding a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They had averaged 75.8 points scored per game while allowing 73.0 points. Their last five games showed a stronger performance, with an impressive average of 88.8 points scored and only 67.4 points allowed. In contrast, the Catamounts had a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, averaging 79.2 points scored but struggling defensively with an average of 81.8 points allowed. Western Carolina had recently snapped a losing streak with a win against Furman, showcasing their potential to compete despite their overall record.
At home, Samford had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while Western Carolina struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. This home advantage was reflected in the betting market, where DraftKings listed Samford as 4.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -245 for the Bulldogs compared to +200 for the Catamounts. The total for the game was set at 153.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
Both teams had faced each other previously, with Samford winning both encounters earlier in the 2025 season. In their last meeting on February 22, 2025, Samford won decisively with a score of 93-72. This history likely contributed to the Bulldogs' confidence heading into the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, suggesting that both squads fielded their best available players. The conditions in the arena were typical for a winter evening, with a lively crowd supporting the Bulldogs, contributing to a charged atmosphere that often benefits the home team.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high. Notably, Keaton Norris and Cade Norris contributed crucial free throws in the closing moments, extending Samford's lead. Julien Soumaoro also made a significant impact with a three-point jumper that briefly narrowed the gap for Western Carolina. Jadin Booth capped off the scoring for Samford with two free throws that sealed the victory.
Overall, the match showcased the Bulldogs' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Catamounts demonstrated their fighting spirit, making it a compelling fixture in the NCAAB calendar.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SAM -4.5 | 153.5 o -115 / u -105 | Western Carolina Catamounts +200 · Samford Bulldogs -245 |
Leaders
- PointsJadin Booth33Samford Bulldogs
- AssistsJadin Booth4Samford Bulldogs
- ReboundsCade Norris5Samford Bulldogs
- PointsSamuel Dada19Western Carolina Catamounts
- AssistsTidjiane Dioumassi5Western Carolina Catamounts
- ReboundsSamuel Dada14Western Carolina Catamounts
Recent form
Samford Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L175.8 scored · 73 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L82-89at UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 3
- 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
Western Carolina Catamounts
Last 10: 4-6Streak W179.2 scored · 81.8 allowed per game1-5 away
- W80-77at Furman PaladinsJan 3
- L74-79vs Wofford TerriersDec 31
- L82-112at Georgia BulldogsDec 19
- L74-96at Virginia Tech HokiesDec 12
- L67-78at South Carolina Upstate SpartansDec 6
- W124-62vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsDec 2
- L73-93at High Point PanthersNov 29
- L62-83at Lipscomb BisonsNov 22
- W80-73vs UNC Asheville BulldogsNov 20
- W76-65vs Stetson HattersNov 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 | Western Carolina Catamounts | Samford Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-61 | 26-58 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 5-15 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 44 |
| Free throws | 22-25 | 19-21 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 22 |
| Assists | 12 | 14 |
| Steals | 2 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 88 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half54-47Justin Johnson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Julien Soumaoro assists)
- 2nd Half54-49Will Shaver makes layup
- 2nd Half54-52Kam Martin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Keaton Norris assists)
- 2nd Half56-52CJ Hyland makes layup
- 2nd Half56-55Jadin Booth makes 22-foot three point jumper (Will Shaver assists)
- 2nd Half57-55Justin Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-55Justin Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-55Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-55Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-55Justin Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Justin Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Tidjiane Dioumassi makes 0-foot tip in layup (Samuel Dada assists)
- 2nd Half64-58Jadin Booth makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Shaver assists)
- 2nd Half66-58Tidjiane Dioumassi makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half66-60Jadin Booth makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half66-62Jadin Booth makes 14-foot jumper (Isaiah Campbell-Finch assists)
- 2nd Half67-62Marcus Kell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-62Marcus Kell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-63Jadin Booth makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half68-64Jadin Booth makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half69-64Marcus Kell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Keaton Norris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Keaton Norris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69Jadin Booth makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zion Wilburn assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Cord Stansberry makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-72Jadin Booth makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zion Wilburn assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Jadin Booth makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-74Zion Wilburn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Zion Wilburn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Isaiah Campbell-Finch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-76Julien Soumaoro makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Julien Soumaoro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Keaton Norris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Keaton Norris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-79Cade Norris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-80Cade Norris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Julien Soumaoro makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half77-80Julien Soumaoro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Jadin Booth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-82Jadin Booth makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Samford Bulldogs, below favours Western Carolina Catamounts.
Venue
- Pete Hanna CenterHomewood, AL
- Attendance813
- OfficialsGlenn Tuitt, Chris Ford, Devyn Page
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- 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