BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Jadin Booth scored 28 points to lead Samford to a 69-49 victory over Mercer in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Pete Hanna Center.

The Bulldogs (13-12, 4-8 Southern) built a commanding 40-22 halftime lead and maintained control throughout. Mercer (15-10, 7-5) shot just 27.1% from the floor, unable to overcome the early deficit. Baraka Okojie led the Bears with 25 points. Samford’s Dylan Faulkner added 16 points.

Samford dominated inside, outscoring Mercer 28-16 in the paint. The Bulldogs also converted 14 points off turnovers. Attendance was 1,521.