Preview: Samford Bulldogs at East Tennessee State Lady Buccaneers JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two Southern Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Friday when the East Tennessee State Lady Buccaneers host the Samford Bulldogs. The game is scheduled for Jan. 30, 2026, at the ETSU Athletic Center. East Tennessee State (9-11 overall) enters on a two-game winning streak following a 58-48 road victory at UNC Greensboro on Jan. 24. The Lady Buccaneers have been led by the consistent inside presence of Meghan Downing. Over her last five games, the forward is averaging 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per contest. She posted a double-double with 9 points and 11 rebounds in the win over UNC Greensboro. Samford (8-14) looks to snap a three-game skid after falling 70-62 to Furman on Jan. 24. The Bulldogs have struggled offensively during the losing streak, failing to reach 70 points. Guard Briana Rivera will be a key for Samford’s attack. She scored a team-high 13 points in the loss to Furman and had an 18-point performance in a win over Fisk on Jan. 2. Defense has been a catalyst for ETSU’s recent success, holding opponents to 50 and 48 points in its last two outings. Containing Rivera and improving its own scoring efficiency will be focal points for Samford, which has lost four of its last five games. The matchup is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, who will meet again in Birmingham, Alabama, on Feb. 28. In the broader conference standings, the game represents a chance for both squads to climb toward the middle of the pack as the regular season enters its final month. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.