Preview: Samford Bulldogs at Virginia Military Institute Keydets LEXINGTON, Va. (Interstat) — Southern Conference play opens Thursday as the Samford Bulldogs visit the Virginia Military Institute Keydets at Cameron Hall. Samford (7-6) enters on a three-game winning streak, though those victories came against non-Division I opponents Reinhardt and Bryan, and a narrow home win over Cornell. The Bulldogs’ most recent outing against a high-major opponent was a decisive 83-57 loss at VCU on Dec. 5. A player to watch for the Bulldogs is Judson Bjornstad, who is coming off a strong performance in the 85-49 win over Reinhardt on Dec. 19, scoring 16 points with six rebounds in 22 minutes. Samford’s offense has shown potency, averaging 93 points in its last two games, but has struggled on the road, with losses at Utah Valley (89-45) and VCU this season. Virginia Military Institute (5-8) looks to rebound from a 97-90 road loss at Radford on Dec. 21. The Keydets have shown offensive firepower at home, including an 86-70 win over Loyola Maryland and an 89-36 rout of Christendom earlier this month. The Keydets will lean on guard TJ Johnson, who scored 21 points in 36 minutes against Radford and had 22 points in just 19 minutes against Christendom. VMI’s defense will be tested, as the team has allowed 97 points or more in three of its eight losses this season. This matchup begins a critical stretch for both teams. Samford faces a quick turnaround, visiting UNC Greensboro on Saturday. VMI remains home to host Chattanooga that same day. Historically, the teams have split their last four meetings. Thursday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST.