Samford Closes Out 2023 with 11th Straight Win
Tonight, Samford continued their winning ways pushing their winning streak to 11 games with an 87-65 victory over Texas Southern. Bulldogs controlled the game throughout as they proved to just be too much for the Tigers.
As someone told me during the second half, “They (Texas Southern) are not bad, we just bring out the worst in them.” Samford has continued to do that throughout this winning stretch as they continuously find ways to make their opponents uncomfortable.
AJ Staton-McCray continues to impress as Jermaine Marshall works to get back to 100% after his hand injury. Staton-McCray finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds as tonight was his sixth straight game scoring in double figures. His impact on this team has been undeniably impressive as he continues to excel on the defensive end.
Before the season I wondered, who was going to step up and be that second offensive option? It has been Staton-McCray so far this season and right now he has been the first.
Achor Achor continues to impress and show how much he has improved since last year. He finished with 15 points as he has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games.
Nathan Johnson is also showing his early form from last season. He is shooting the ball with confidence and for good reason. Over the last four games, he is 10-for-12 from behind the arc. Johnson had 8 points tonight and if he continues to provide these quality minutes, that is a very encouraging development for this team.
What has also been encouraging is Samford’s three-point defense; these last two games. Samford limited Valparaiso and Texas Southern to a combined 9-43 from three-point land which is good for 20%. Especially in the Southern Conference, this will be vital to continued success on the defensive end.
Last season, Samford finished non-conference play with a seven-game losing streak. This year. Samford finishes 2023 with 11-straight wins. They are two away from tying the 1998-1999 team who won 13-straight, which is a school record.
Non-conference play is over and here comes the grind that is the Southern Conference. Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year, then get out to the Pete Hanna Center on January 3rd against Chattanooga. You do not want to miss this.
