ETSU Aims for 20th Win Against Samford

The Bucs look to extend their four-game win streak and take a big step in the Southern Conference standings.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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East Tennessee State University's men's basketball team has a chance to reach the 20-win milestone on Saturday when they face off against Samford. The Bucs, who are currently on a four-game winning streak, hold an 11-2 record in the Southern Conference and a two-game lead over Wofford. ETSU coach Brooks Savage has guided the team through a three-year process to get to this point, with the Bucs looking to sweep Samford after beating them 76-75 in their previous matchup.

Why it matters

ETSU's potential 20th win would be a significant accomplishment, as the program has not seen that level of success in recent years. The Bucs' strong conference record also has them positioned well to make a deep postseason run. This game against Samford represents an opportunity for ETSU to solidify their standing in the Southern Conference standings.

The details

The Bucs are led by a balanced offensive attack, with six players having scored 20 or more points in a game this season. Cam Morris III leads the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game, while Blake Barkley has been the most consistent scorer in the second half of the season, averaging 14.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. ETSU's defense has also been a strength, as they lead the Southern Conference in scoring defense, allowing just 67.6 points per game.

  • ETSU and Samford will face off on Saturday, February 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
  • The Bucs previously defeated Samford 76-75 on January 17, 2026.

The players

Brooks Savage

The head coach of the ETSU men's basketball team, who has guided the program through a three-year process to reach this point of success.

Blake Barkley

The Bucs' most consistent offensive player in the second half of the season, averaging 14.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Cam Morris III

The leading scorer for ETSU, averaging 14.5 points per game.

Jadin Booth

The leading scorer for Samford, averaging 20.9 points per game.

Dylan Faulkner

A 6-9 junior forward for Samford, averaging 17.3 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“We've taken some big steps. It started that first year when we went on the road and beat Davidson, beat East Carolina. We started 1-5 (in the SoCon) then we rallied, got hot the end of the year and made the championship. Last year, finishing third 7-2 on the back half, another step. This year to take another step during the regular season, try to get our 20th win Saturday. The accolades have improved as we've done something that hasn't been done around here a while.”

— Brooks Savage, Head Coach, ETSU (timesnews.net)

“We're hanging our hat on the defensive end of the floor. On basketball, if you don't value the ball in terms of shot selection and turnovers, if you don't get back in transition defense, play five on five, you don't defensive rebound, you got no shot. So when you do those things, you know, we're pretty good.”

— Brooks Savage, Head Coach, ETSU (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The winner of Saturday's game between ETSU and Samford will take a big step forward in the Southern Conference standings, as the Bucs currently hold a two-game lead over Wofford.

The takeaway

ETSU's potential 20th win of the season would be a significant milestone for the program, showcasing the team's growth and development under coach Brooks Savage. The Bucs' balanced offensive attack and stifling defense have them positioned as a top contender in the Southern Conference, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against Samford.