Samford players return to campus after winning the SoCon Championship. (Samford Basketball)

For the first time in over two decades, the Samford men’s basketball team has secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Keep reading to hear all about their recent win and what’s next for the Bulldogs.

What’s next for Samford?

The Bulldogs defeated East Tennessee State in the Southern Conference Championship game earlier this week, earning a spot in “the big dance” for the first time since 2000.

“I’ve never wanted a team to win so bad. I wanted it for these players but I wanted it for this university because I know with the win, what that would mean: that we’re going to be in the national spotlight.”
Bucky McMillan, Head Coach, Samford men’s basketball

Samford will get a few days to celebrate before finding out its next destination and opponent when the Field of 68 is announced during the tournament’s selection show on Sunday, March 17.

NCAA Men’s Tournament Selection Show: 5PM on CBS
NCAA Women’s Tournament Selection Show: 7PM on ESPN

The Bulldogs are currently projected as a 13 seed in the latest Bracketology from ESPN.

Alabama + Auburn basketball expected to join the Bulldogs

Samford will not be the only school to be selected into the two fields this year.

Alabama and Auburn basketball are expected to be in the men’s tournament and will find out their seeding after making final impressions on the committee during this week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville.

Currently listed as four seeds in ESPN’s bracketology, both Alabama and Auburn begin playing on Friday, March 15. Both could play their way into a higher seed, but Samford could meet either of the two in-state powerhouses.

Who else is still alive?

UAB is also hoping to play its way into the tournament but will likely have to win the American Athletic Conference tournament to secure a spot. The Blazers will need to win three games in three days starting on Friday.

Alabama A&M won its first game at the Southwestern Atlantic Conference (SWAC) men’s tournament at Bartow Arena in Birmingham this week. The Bulldogs are on to the semifinals of the tournament and need just two more wins to claim a spot in the big dance.

Women’s basketball teams ready to dance

A&M also made the SWAC women’s tournament, starting its run Thursday afternoon at Bartow Arena. The team will need three more wins to make their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Alabama and Auburn women’s basketball teams also hope to hear their names called during the women’s tournament selection show. Alabama is currently listed as a nine-seed in ESPN’s latest projection. Meanwhile, the Tigers are listed as one of the last four “byes” in ESPN’s Bracketology.