Samford And ETSU Set For Weather-Shifted SoCon Showdown

Friday afternoon in Johnson City, Tennessee, promises to be a pivotal moment for both the Samford Bulldogs and the East Tennessee State Buccaneers as they clash in a Southern Conference women’s basketball matchup. The contest, originally slated for a 7 p.m. tip, has been bumped up to 2 p.m. Eastern Time due to impending inclement weather in the area. Fans are urged to adjust their plans accordingly, but the action inside the ETSU home arena is sure to heat up regardless of what’s happening outside.

Samford (8-14 overall, 1-4 SoCon) arrives in Johnson City hoping to snap a frustrating three-game losing streak. The Bulldogs have struggled to find their rhythm in recent weeks, but there’s no shortage of firepower on this squad—especially from beyond the arc. They lead the Southern Conference and rank among the nation’s elite in three-point attempts (28.3 per game, 12th nationally) and makes (8.8 per game, 23rd nationally). If there’s one thing you can count on with this group, it’s that the long ball will be flying.

Much of that perimeter prowess comes courtesy of sophomore guard Briana Rivera, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. Rivera leads the entire country in three-pointers made (73), three-point attempts (205), and threes per game (3.32). Over her last 10 outings, Rivera has averaged 10.2 points per game, providing a consistent scoring punch even as the Bulldogs have struggled to put wins on the board. She’s not alone, though—Kaylee Yarbrough has been leading the scoring charge, averaging 13.4 points per contest, while Carla Baguda anchors the boards with 4.5 rebounds per game, helping Samford rank eighth in the league with 27.3 rebounds per night.

What’s more, Samford’s depth has been a quiet strength. The bench chips in an impressive 23.2 points per game, the second-best mark in the Southern Conference. That kind of production gives head coach Carley Kuhns options when the starters need a breather or when someone gets hot. But with the Bulldogs’ recent defensive woes—allowing opponents to shoot 41.7% from the field and giving up an average of 71.8 points over their last ten games—there’s no question that tightening up on the defensive end will be crucial if they hope to get back in the win column.

Standing in their way is an ETSU squad (9-11 overall, 2-3 SoCon) that’s starting to find its groove. The Buccaneers, under fourth-year head coach Brenda Mock Brown, come into Friday’s showdown riding a two-game winning streak after dispatching Western Carolina and UNC Greensboro. That momentum has pushed them into a tie for fourth place in the conference standings, and with a 6-4 record over their last ten games, there’s a growing sense of belief in the Bucs’ locker room.

Defense has been the calling card for ETSU this season. The Buccaneers allow just 58.5 points per game and have managed to outscore their opponents by an average of 1.7 points over the last ten contests. Even at home, where they’ve posted a 4-6 record, the Bucs have been tough to break down, giving up just 54.4 points per game during their recent hot streak. That defensive discipline will be put to the test against Samford’s perimeter attack.

On offense, ETSU is paced by Anala Nelson, who averages 9.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game on the season. Nelson has turned it up a notch lately, averaging 10.2 points over her last ten outings. She’s joined in the backcourt by Jaidyn Harper, who knocks down 1.4 triples per game and contributes 6.7 points while shooting 32.1% from deep. The Bucs’ offense isn’t flashy—shooting just 33.6% from the field this season, which is notably 8.1 percentage points lower than what Samford allows—but their ability to grind out results and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes has been a difference-maker.

Friday’s game marks the 26th meeting between these programs, and the history couldn’t be much tighter. ETSU holds a razor-thin 13-12 edge in the all-time series, though Samford claimed the most recent clash, 50-43, back on February 13, 2025. That win snapped a run of four victories in five games for the Buccaneers, underscoring just how competitive this matchup has become in recent years. It’s the first meeting between the two teams in the 2025-26 conference slate, adding a little extra intrigue to an already compelling contest.

Statistically, the teams present a fascinating contrast. While Samford lives and dies by the three, ETSU prefers a more methodical approach, focusing on defense and rebounding. Over the last ten games, the Bucs have averaged 58.8 points, 34.3 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 6.5 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting 34.4% from the field. Their opponents, meanwhile, have managed just 54.4 points per contest. Samford, on the other hand, has put up 63.4 points, 26.8 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 6.8 steals, and 4.3 blocks per game, connecting on 40.2% of their shots. The Bulldogs’ opponents have averaged a hefty 71.8 points, highlighting the defensive gap between the two squads.

With both teams fighting for traction in the Southern Conference, every possession will count. Samford’s ability to stretch the floor and let it fly from deep could give them a decisive edge if the shots start falling, but ETSU’s dogged defense and home-court advantage could just as easily tip the scales in their favor. Will Rivera and Yarbrough catch fire and help the Bulldogs snap their skid, or will Nelson and the Bucs keep their winning streak alive and protect their turf?

Fans unable to make the trip to Johnson City can catch all the action via live stats and streaming on ESPN+. For Samford supporters, the official website SamfordSports.com and the team’s social media channels will provide updates and behind-the-scenes content throughout the day. Likewise, ETSU fans are encouraged to monitor the team’s communications for any further schedule changes or weather-related updates.

As tipoff approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a hard-fought, high-stakes battle in the heart of Southern Conference play. Both programs have plenty to prove and everything to play for as they look to climb the league standings and build momentum for the second half of the season. Whether it’s the Bulldogs’ barrage from deep or the Buccaneers’ relentless defense that wins the day, one thing’s for sure: Johnson City is set for an afternoon of riveting college basketball.