| MATCHUP | Furman Paladins | Samford Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 19-12 | 18-13 |
| Spread | +1.5 -110 | -1.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | -102 | -118 |
| Total | Over 146.5 (-110) | Under 146.5 (-110) |
| Where | Harrah's Cherokee Center, Asheville, NC | |
| When | Saturday, March 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Furman Paladins and the Samford Bulldogs meet Saturday in SoCon Tournament college basketball action from Harrah’s Cherokee Center. Here’s a Furman vs Samford prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Furman vs Samford pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Furman Paladins Betting Preview
The Paladins were able to win 13 of their first 20 games this year, then hit a win streak over UNC Greensboro, Samford and Chattanooga in the next trio. Furman lost to East Tennessee State, UNC Greensboro and Mercer from there, and they’ve since gone 3-2 over five games. Those wins were over VMI, Wofford and the Citadel for a 19-12 overall record this year.
In the Western Carolina matchup last weekend the Paladins were coming out of the locker room in the second half with a seven-point deficit 37-30. Furman didn’t get any closer than that on a 49-37 run the rest of the way and lost the game on the road 86-67 in the end. Cooper Bowser led the team with 17 points and four boards while Eddrin Bronson and 16 points.
Samford Bulldogs Betting Preview
Over on the Samford side, they played a pretty shaky run over their first 20 games, hitting a 9-11 record in that time. The Bulldogs beat Chattanooga, Western Carolina, the Citadel, Mercer, Wofford, East Tennessee State and the Citadel over the next eight, then lost to Mercer. After wins over VMI and UNC Greensboro, Samford is 18-13 this year so far.
Matched up against UNC Greensboro last weekend the Bulldogs were sitting in the locker room at the break with a 50-41 advantage. Samford kept the pace the rest of the way on a 37-37 run and powered out the victory on their home court as the game came to a close 87-78. Jadin Booth went off for 40 points with eight rebounds and one assist in the victory effort.
Furman Paladins @ Samford Bulldogs Betting Trends: March 7, 2026
Why the Samford Bulldogs will win
- Samford has won eight of its last nine games against Conference opponents.
- Furman has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Furman has lost the first half in three of its last four Conference Tournament games against Samford at Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
Why the Furman Paladins will win
- Furman has won 14 of its last 17 games against Samford.
Matchup/League Facts
- Samford ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (11.7%).
- Samford ranks T24th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.2).
- Furman ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (16.5).
- Furman ranks 42nd among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (27.6).
Furman vs Samford Prediction
I’ll take a stab on Samford but you could argue it either way. The Bulldogs rolled right past a middling UNC Greensboro team in a home win last weekend, hitting 50 percent from the field with 51.4 percent (18-of-35) from outside. Samford aded a 36-30 rebounding edge and just 41.3 percent shooting allowed on defense but also had 14 turnovers. The Bulldogs are 8-1 in their last nine games, scoring 78 or more points in eight of those.
Interestingly enough, Samford lost both meetings between these teams this year: 77-73 at home on January 14 and 78-73 on the road on January 29. In the most recent meeting the Bulldogs shot just 40.9 percent from the field and 54.5 percent (12-of-22) from the line while giving up 58.3 percent shooting on defense. Needless to say, Samford has a lot of work to do if they want to get some revenge here.