Courtesy of NCAA
Samford Women’s Basketball secured a bid to The Dance on March 8th, after winning the SoCon Championship. The Bulldogs played the Southern Jaguars at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. This was the first time that these two teams have faced each other.
To start for Samford was Riviera, Morris, Tarpley, Snoddy and Godbolt. Starting for Southern was Reed, Porter, Edwards, Cunningham and Hurston.

First Quarter for Samford;
With a low scoring first quarter, Samford came out with 8 points, only a 3 away from Southern who led at 11 points. Francie Morris led the way with 2 well timed 3’s, and a layup from Olivia Delancey originally put Samford on the board at 5:32.
Second Quarter;
To start the 2nd quarter, Kaylee Yarbrough hit a 3 to catch up the score. Southern responded with a jumper for 2 by Tate. Riviera shot a 3 at 7:41, which gave Samford their first lead of the game. Southern tied it back up at 5:47, then Samford took the lead again from a layup by Beguda. However, Southern took back the lead to finish out the half. End of the half was 27-24, Southern.
Overall, in the first half, Samford shot 30% for FG’s, 30% of 3’s, and 100% of FT’s.
Third Quarter;
The third quarter for both the Bulldogs and the Jaguars was well fought. 11 lead changes in the 3rd alone, additionally ending the quarter in a tie. Riviera for Samford led the scoring with 12 points, 3 3’s and 3 FT’s. Additionally, Yarbrough also brought 5 points to the scoreboard to boost The Bulldogs. End of the 3rd, 44-44.
Final Quarter
The Bulldogs and The Jaguars are all tied up. In the bulk of the 4th, from 6:47-2:18, The Jaguars went on a 8-0 run against The Bulldogs. Samford just couldn’t seen to overcome a defense heavy Southern team, and only managed to put 9 points on the board in the last quarter. 4 points scored by Baguda, 3 from Yarbrough, and the final 2 points from Riviera. Final Score, 65-53 Southern.
Overall, Samford went 18-51 (35%) for FG’s, 8-27 (30%) for 3’s, and 9-9 (100%) for FT’s. Briana Riviera led The Bulldogs, shooting 5-11 on FG’s, 3-9 on 3’s, 3-3 on FG’s. Riviera also contributed 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Another gametime leader was Kaylee Yarbrough who shot for 3-12 on FG’s, 2-6 on 3’s, 3-3 on FT’s. Yarbrough also made 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

