Samford defense thwarts Martin Methodist 59-40

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Freshman Tim Williams had his second-straight double-double and Samford gave Bennie Seltzer his first career coaching victory with a 59-40 win over Martin Methodist on Monday night

Williams had 13 points and 10 rebounds, plus four blocked shots and two steals for the Bulldogs (1-1).

Samford played tough defense, allowing the NAIA RedHawks to shoot just 27.1 percent from the field (16 of 59) and 7.7 percent (1 of 13) from 3-point range.

Raijon Kelly added 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting for the Bulldogs with four assists and two blocked shots.

Martin Methodist (2-2) was held to its lowest scoring total this season, with only Brandon Hunter, who had 15 points, in double figures.

Samford scored the first 11 points and led 25-5 with 8:33 remaining in the first half.

The Bulldogs led 35-13 at the break and the RedHawks could get no closer than 17 in the second half.