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Paladins snap three-game skid with most complete performance in weeks
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman put together one of its most composed performances of the young season Saturday afternoon, defeating UNC Asheville 74–67 at Timmons Arena to halt a three-game losing streak and regain momentum heading into December.
The Paladins, now 3–5, relied on a blistering first-quarter start, improved rebounding, and steadier late-game execution to secure their eighth straight victory in the series. Asheville fell to 2–5 with the loss.
Furman’s explosive first quarter sets the tone
For a team that has been searching for a spark, Furman didn’t waste any time finding it. The Paladins opened the game on a 17–3 run, overwhelming Asheville with tempo, defensive activity, and early shot-making.
They closed the quarter leading 24–12, their best opening 10 minutes of the season and a stark contrast to several recent games in which slow starts forced the Paladins to play from behind.
The opening burst didn’t come from one dominant scorer but from collective execution. Furman spread the floor, pushed the pace and found quality looks early in the shot clock. Defensively, the Paladins disrupted Asheville’s rhythm, holding the Bulldogs to contested jumpers and limiting second chances.
The early cushion proved important as the game progressed, becoming the margin Asheville could never fully erase.
Asheville closes the gap, but Furman avoids familiar pitfalls
The Bulldogs settled in during the second quarter and began to turn the game into more of a grind. Asheville tightened its defensive rotations, forced turnovers, and strung together enough stops to generate a 12–2 run late in the half.
Much of the surge came from guard Aileen Marquez, who scored a game-high 20 points and consistently challenged Furman’s perimeter defense. Asheville pulled within four in the final two minutes before Furman steadied itself to take a 36–32 lead into the break.
For the Paladins, the closing minutes of the second quarter represented a key test. In several recent losses, momentum-changing stretches snowballed into double-digit deficits. On Saturday, however, Furman halted the slide, protected possession better, and prevented Asheville from ever taking the lead.
Third-quarter response helps Paladins reclaim control
The third quarter mirrored the first in terms of control — though with a steadier, more methodical tone. Furman reestablished its defensive presence, guarded Asheville’s leading scorers more effectively, and began generating high-percentage shots off half-court actions.
The Paladins also dominated key sequences on the glass. They finished the afternoon with a 42–37 rebounding advantage, a margin that helped them create second-chance points while limiting Asheville’s ability to score inside. Several extended possessions allowed Furman to stretch the lead into more comfortable territory.
Asheville continued to compete — as it had throughout the afternoon — but the Bulldogs spent most of the second half trading baskets rather than gaining ground.
Free throws and composure seal Furman’s win
As the Bulldogs mounted a final push in the fourth quarter, trimming the margin back to single digits, the Paladins leaned on something that has not always been a strength this season: closing execution.
Furman shot a strong 17 of 21 (81%) at the free-throw line, converting late opportunities that prevented Asheville from making the game a possession-by-possession battle down the stretch.
Offensively, the Paladins continued to share the scoring load, finishing the game with consistent contributions across the rotation rather than relying on a single go-to scorer. Defensively, they forced key missed shots and secured rebounds that allowed them to maintain control.
The balanced performance — 40% shooting from the field, 33% from three, and winning the rebounding battle — offered a clearer view of what the Paladins can be when they play in rhythm.
What the win means for Furman moving forward
Saturday’s victory carries weight beyond the box score.
The Paladins ended a three-game skid, secured their 11th straight home win over Asheville, and delivered one of their more complete performances of the season as a group. The fast start, steady response to Asheville’s runs, and late-game poise represented the type of growth the team has been searching for in November.
With several nonconference tests looming and Southern Conference play approaching, the result provides momentum — and a blueprint — as Furman works to develop consistency.
For Asheville, the competitive showing highlighted the team’s resilience and individual standout play, particularly from Marquez. But the Bulldogs spent nearly the entire afternoon trying to dig out from Furman’s opening run — a deficit they were never fully able to overcome.
Furman now shifts its attention to the next matchup on the schedule, aiming to build off a performance defined by energy, balance, and timely execution.
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