Samford Bulldogs @ East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Johnson hits game-winner; Samford edges ETSU 71-68
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- Marcus Johnson hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds left to give Samford a 71-68 victory over East Tennessee State on Saturday.
Christen Cunningham took a high screen and drove toward the basket, which drew a double team, and found Johnson open on the wing.
Samford (12-14, 5-8 Southern) had five players in double figures, led by Darius Jones-Gibson with 13 points. Johnson finished with 12.
Tyler Hood made a corner 3-pointer to cut Samford's deficit to 66-64 and after an A.J. Merriweather basket, Johnson hit a 3 to make it 68-67. Later, Jones-Gibson made 1 of 2 free throws to tie the game at 68 with 39 seconds left. After an ETSU turnover, Johnson's game-winner capped a 7-0 run to close the game. Jalen Riley missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Riley led ETSU (13-10, 6-7) with 20 points and Rashawn Rembert added 16.
Game Information
Johnson City, TN
Referee:Dan Stryffeler
Referee:Jason Page
Referee:Brad Stodghill
2025-26 Standings
| Southern ConferenceSouthern Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 13-5 | - | 23-11 |
| Mercer | 11-7 | 2 | 19-13 |
| Wofford | 11-7 | 2 | 19-13 |
| Samford | 11-7 | 2 | 18-14 |
| Furman | 10-8 | 3 | 22-13 |
| Western Carolina | 10-8 | 3 | 15-16 |
| UNC Greensboro | 9-9 | 4 | 15-19 |
| Chattanooga | 7-11 | 6 | 13-19 |
| The Citadel | 7-11 | 6 | 11-22 |
| VMI | 1-17 | 12 | 6-26 |
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