The Samford Bulldogs pulled off a strong 78-63 victory over the Georgia State Panthers in the Cancun Challenge on November 25, 2025, despite missing two key starters. Played at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico, the short-handed team dominated with solid defense and balanced scoring to improve their record to 4-4.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Samford started strong but faced a tight battle in the first half. A three-pointer from freshman Isaiah Campbell-Finch gave them an 18-16 lead midway through, and they never looked back.
The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, building a 37-32 halftime edge. Georgia State struggled offensively, hitting just 26 percent of their shots overall.
In the second half, Samford pulled away early. They reached the bonus quickly and made 19 of 26 free throws to seal the win.
Defense stood out as the Bulldogs held the Panthers to 21 percent from three-point range, their best mark this season.
Standout Player Performances
Dylan Faulkner led the way with 19 points, tying his career high. He added six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, scoring 14 points after halftime.
Jaxon Pollard stepped up off the bench with 16 points and nine rebounds. His energy filled the gap left by injured starters.
Freshmen Isaiah Campbell-Finch and Kam Martin started for the first time. Campbell-Finch scored 12 points, while Martin added 11.
Cade Norris contributed 13 points and eight rebounds in 38 minutes of play.
Five Bulldogs reached double figures, showing team depth.
Here is a quick look at the top scorers:
- Dylan Faulkner: 19 points, 6 rebounds
- Jaxon Pollard: 16 points, 9 rebounds
- Cade Norris: 13 points, 8 rebounds
- Isaiah Campbell-Finch: 12 points
- Kam Martin: 11 points
Challenges and Strategy Shifts
Samford played without starters Keaton Norris and Jadin Booth, who average 33 points combined per game. This forced lineup changes, with freshmen stepping into bigger roles.
The team focused on inside scoring, going 17 of 28 on two-pointers. They made only 7 of 22 threes but controlled the paint.
Georgia State, now 1-6, got 21 points from Micah Tucker and 17 from Malachi Brown. Still, their poor shooting doomed them.
Samford’s defense forced tough shots and limited second chances. This win marks their best defensive effort of the young season.
Team Records and Broader Context
Samford entered the game at 3-4, fresh off losses to Florida Gulf Coast and New Mexico State. This victory boosts momentum in a tough non-conference slate.
Georgia State, from the Sun Belt Conference, continues to struggle early. They shot below 30 percent in this matchup.
The Cancun Challenge features mid-major teams seeking quality wins. Past events have seen upsets, like Auburn’s strong showings in previous years.
College basketball in 2025 has seen more parity, with teams like Samford using depth to overcome injuries. This game highlights how bench players can change outcomes.
Looking Ahead to Next Matchup
Samford faces Utah Valley next on November 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Utah Valley enters with a 3-2 record, making it another test.
The game streams on FloCollege, with live stats available.
A win could give Samford a tournament title and confidence boost before conference play.
| Team | First Half Score | Second Half Score | Total Score | Field Goal % | Three-Point % | Free Throws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samford | 37 | 41 | 78 | 48% | 32% | 19/26 |
| Georgia State | 32 | 31 | 63 | 26% | 21% | Not specified |
Impact on Season Outlook
This win shows Samford’s resilience. Missing starters could have derailed them, but balanced play kept them in control.
For Georgia State, the loss adds pressure. They need to improve shooting and defense to turn things around.
In the bigger picture, tournaments like Cancun help teams build resumes for March Madness. Samford’s 29-5 record last season, including a SoCon title, sets high expectations.
Fans should watch how Samford handles injuries moving forward. Depth will be key in a competitive Southern Conference.
What do you think about Samford’s chances against Utah Valley? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow basketball fans.
