AUBURN, Ala. — Samford head coach Lennie Acuff spoke with the media following the Bulldogs’ exhibition loss to Auburn on Thursday night. Acuff discussed his team’s second-half comeback, Cooper Noard’s performance, defensive improvements and the possibility of a future regular-season matchup with Auburn.

Despite the loss, Acuff emphasized the progress his team has made through three exhibition games and expressed optimism heading into Monday’s regular-season opener against Berry.

Q: What was said at halftime that helped spark the 16–5 run to open the second half?

Acuff: “I thought we drew on our experience at Jax State the other night.”

Acuff explained that playing competitive exhibitions helps a new roster develop shared experiences. He noted that Samford cut Auburn’s lead to three with approximately six minutes remaining and committed just six turnovers against Auburn’s athletic defense.

“We’re a lot better now than we were when we got on the bus to go to Jax State on Monday night. These last two games have been really good for us.”

Q: Would you like to see Samford and Auburn play during the regular season?

Acuff: “Yeah, we’re hoping that’ll happen in the next year or two.”

Acuff thanked Auburn head coach Steven Pearl and his staff for scheduling the exhibition, emphasizing how valuable opportunities against SEC opponents are for Samford.

Q: How did your team’s shot selection improve throughout the game?

Acuff: “We did really settle in the last four or five minutes of the first half, where we just started chucking up threes. We can’t do that.”

Acuff said Samford needs to generate three-point opportunities by attacking the paint rather than settling for perimeter shots. He credited the Bulldogs’ second-half improvement to getting downhill and creating better looks, particularly for Cooper Noard.

Q: How has Samford improved defensively through three exhibition games?

Acuff: “I know we’re a lot better than we were defensively last year. We’re more physical.”

Acuff praised his team’s ability to limit Auburn’s opportunities in the paint, although the Tigers were able to connect on difficult perimeter shots.

He also complimented Auburn’s improvement since its exhibition against Florida State and credited Steven Pearl for his team’s response.

Q: How impressed were you with Cooper Noard’s performance against Auburn?

Acuff: “He’s just really confident. He’s been there.”

Acuff praised Noard’s experience and ability to make shots, particularly in transition. He also highlighted several other Bulldogs:

• Diggy: Praised for his defensive effort against Tahaad Pettiford.
• Cade Norris: Provided offensive stability and helped Samford find its rhythm.
• Will Shaver: Earned praise for his physicality and rebounding against Auburn’s bigger frontcourt.

“I thought he really competed tonight,” Acuff said of Shaver. “I thought he made a big step forward tonight, too.”

Q: What makes Cade Norris such a dependable player?

Acuff: “He’s very much the coach on the floor for us.”

Acuff highlighted Norris’ basketball IQ, ability to score in the post and willingness to find teammates when double-teamed.

Asked separately about Norris’ fearlessness against SEC competition, Acuff responded:

“That’s not part of his DNA. That’s one tough dude now. I mean, he’ll run right to the fight.”

Q: What’s the biggest focus before Monday’s regular-season opener against Berry?

Acuff: “We gotta reset.”

Samford will take Friday off before returning for practices Saturday and Sunday.

Acuff also pointed toward the upcoming road matchup at UNLV, explaining that the Auburn exhibition provided valuable preparation for another difficult environment.

“When we go to Vegas next Saturday, this will be a really good… We can draw on tonight.”

He emphasized that his team must remain composed when facing double-digit deficits against high-level opponents.

Q: What have you learned about your team through three exhibition games?

Acuff: “I think we’ve improved defensively. We’ve still got a ways to go.”

Acuff said Samford needs to improve its offensive execution, decision-making and overall fluidity as its new roster continues developing chemistry.

However, he believes the Bulldogs have already made meaningful strides in toughness and physicality.

“I think we got a lot of guys that care. I think we’re much better on the defensive end. I think we’re a little bit tougher and physical, and I think that’ll pay off.”

Key Takeaways

• Defensive growth: Acuff believes Samford is already more physical and defensively capable than last season.
• Cooper Noard’s confidence: The Cornell transfer showed his scoring ability against SEC competition.
• Cade Norris’ leadership: Acuff considers Norris a coach on the floor and praised his toughness.
• Will Shaver’s development: Acuff singled out Shaver for making significant progress against Auburn’s size.
• Future Auburn matchup: Acuff hopes the programs can meet in the regular season within the next year or two.
• Looking ahead: Samford opens its regular season Monday against Berry before traveling to UNLV on November 7.

Acuff’s overall assessment: “I like our team. I’m a lot more encouraged than discouraged, but we gotta get better.”