The Samford Bulldogs take on the Georgia State Panthers in a key matchup at the Cancun Challenge in Mexico on November 25, 2025. This college basketball game marks the start of tournament play for both teams, with Samford looking to rebound from recent losses and Georgia State aiming to build momentum in a tough season.
Game Preview and Stakes
Samford enters the contest with a 3-4 record after dropping their last two games. The Bulldogs fell 81-72 to New Mexico State on November 21, 2025, in a campus game tied to the Cancun Challenge. Georgia State, sitting at 1-5, suffered a heavy 105-58 defeat to South Dakota State on November 21, 2025. This matchup is the 49th meeting between the programs, with Georgia State leading the series 25-23.
Both teams need a win to boost their early-season resumes. The Cancun Challenge offers a neutral-site opportunity in a resort setting at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Analysts predict a close game, with betting odds listing Samford as a slight favorite due to their stronger scoring depth.
The tournament format includes campus games leading into the Mexico bracket. Samford’s recent struggles highlight the need for better shooting, while Georgia State seeks to overcome defensive woes.
Key Players to Watch
Standout performers could decide the outcome. For Samford, guard Jadin Booth averages 21.1 points per game but scored just three in the New Mexico State loss. Forward Dylan Faulkner contributes 13.0 points and leads the team with 5.6 rebounds per contest.
Guard Keaton Norris tops the Southern Conference with 5.4 assists per game, setting up plays for teammates like Kam Martin, who scored a team-high 17 points off the bench against the Aggies. Zion Wilburn added 15 points in that game, showing potential in the starting lineup.
On the Georgia State side, Jelani Hamilton leads scoring with 16.3 points per game. The Panthers, under fourth-year coach Jonas Hayes, earned their lone win against Fort Valley State, 90-56, on November 11, 2025. Hayes has guided the team to 14 wins over the past two seasons, but they were picked 11th in the Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll.
- Jadin Booth: Samford’s top scorer, needs to bounce back from a poor shooting night.
- Keaton Norris: Leads in assists, crucial for ball movement.
- Jelani Hamilton: Georgia State’s scoring leader, key to any upset bid.
Recent Form and Challenges
Samford started hot, making double-digit threes in their first five games, but managed only seven and eight in recent losses to Florida Gulf Coast and New Mexico State. Those defeats exposed rebounding issues and defensive lapses, allowing opponents to pull away late.
Georgia State has struggled against stronger foes, with blowout losses highlighting a need for better team chemistry. Their win over Fort Valley State showed offensive promise, but consistency remains a hurdle.
Both squads face travel demands in the Cancun setting, which could affect performance. Samford aims to regain their early-season shooting form, while Georgia State looks to tighten defense.
Injuries play a role too. Samford’s Keaton Norris played limited minutes in the last game due to minor issues, impacting their flow.
Tournament Context and Broader Impact
The Cancun Challenge features multiple teams in Riviera and Mayan divisions, providing mid-major programs like Samford and Georgia State with valuable exposure. Past winners have used the event to spark successful seasons, such as Florida Gulf Coast’s upset runs in recent years.
This game fits into a busy college basketball slate on November 25, 2025, including other conference matchups. A victory could propel the winner into the challenge’s championship game, boosting confidence ahead of conference play.
| Team | Record | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Key Win/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samford Bulldogs | 3-4 | 78.2 | 34.1 | Loss to New Mexico State (81-72) |
| Georgia State Panthers | 1-5 | 72.8 | 32.5 | Win over Fort Valley State (90-56) |
Historical Rivalry and Predictions
The series between Samford and Georgia State dates back decades, with competitive games often decided by slim margins. Their last meeting in 2023 saw Georgia State win by four points in overtime.
Experts favor Samford by 4.5 points, citing their scoring edge. However, Georgia State’s underdog status could lead to a surprise if they capitalize on Samford’s recent cold streak from beyond the arc.
Fans can catch the game at 2:45 p.m. ET, broadcast on select networks. This neutral-site clash adds intrigue to the holiday week in college hoops.
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