Samford Bulldogs Embark on Challenging Non-Conference Schedule After Historic NCAA Tournament Appearance

After making their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years, the Samford Bulldogs men's basketball team is set to face one of the toughest non-conference schedules in program history this upcoming season. The Bulldogs' non-conference slate features several matchups against postseason teams, including trips to powerhouses like Michigan State and Arizona.

Samford Bulldogs Poised for Breakout Season After Historic NCAA Tournament Run

Bulldogs Seek to Build on Momentum from Successful 2023-24 Campaign

Last season, the Samford Bulldogs enjoyed a remarkable campaign, finishing with a 29-6 overall record and a 15-3 mark in Southern Conference play. The team's success culminated in a Southern Conference Tournament championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to the No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks in a closely contested first-round matchup. The Bulldogs' impressive performance has set the stage for an even more ambitious 2024-25 season, as they look to build on the momentum from their historic run.

Challenging Non-Conference Schedule Prepares Bulldogs for Conference Play and Postseason

To prepare for the rigors of the Southern Conference and potential postseason opportunities, the Samford Bulldogs have assembled a daunting non-conference schedule. Headlining the slate are matchups against Michigan State and Arizona, both of which are coming off successful seasons and are expected to be among the top teams in their respective conferences.The Bulldogs' trip to East Lansing to face the Spartans on November 19th will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Michigan State, led by head coach Tom Izzo, is a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament. This clash will provide the Bulldogs with a valuable opportunity to test their mettle against one of the nation's elite programs.Samford's December 18th visit to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats will be a rematch of a 2006 matchup, which the Bulldogs lost 86-57. This year's contest will be the first time the two teams have faced each other since that previous encounter. Arizona, a Sweet Sixteen participant in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, will present another significant challenge for the Bulldogs as they look to prove their worth against a top-tier opponent.

Bulldogs Bolster Non-Conference Schedule with Challenging Home Slate

In addition to their high-profile road trips, the Samford Bulldogs will also host a multiple-team event at the Pete Hanna Center from November 26-29. This event will feature matchups against North Dakota State, Utah Valley, and West Georgia, providing the Bulldogs with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their home crowd.The Bulldogs' non-conference schedule also includes games against Division II opponent Mississippi College, National Invitation Tournament participant Cornell, and in-state foes North Alabama and Alabama A&M. These contests will allow the team to fine-tune their skills and build momentum heading into the Southern Conference portion of their schedule.

Bulldogs Aim to Capitalize on Successful 2023-24 Campaign and Secure Second Consecutive NCAA Tournament Berth

The Samford Bulldogs' ambitious non-conference schedule is a clear indication of their aspirations for the 2024-25 season. After their historic NCAA Tournament appearance, the team is determined to prove that their success was no fluke and that they are ready to compete with the best programs in the country.By facing off against a gauntlet of postseason-caliber opponents, the Bulldogs will have the opportunity to showcase their talent, depth, and resilience. This challenging slate will undoubtedly prepare them for the rigors of Southern Conference play and position them for a potential return to the NCAA Tournament.As the Samford Bulldogs embark on their 2024-25 campaign, their non-conference schedule stands as a testament to their lofty goals and their unwavering commitment to building upon the program's recent achievements. With a talented roster and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to guide the team to new heights, the Bulldogs are poised to make an even greater impact on the national stage this season.