0
0
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman used a second-half surge and timely shooting to pull away from Charleston Southern for an 84–76 win Sunday at Timmons Arena, extending its current run of success to eight wins in nine games. The Paladins (9–4) have shown a balanced offensive attack and tenacity on both ends, a continuation of the momentum that has defined their season under coach Bob Richey. (furmanpaladins.com)
Freshman Alex Wilkins and veteran Asa Thomas led a balanced scoring effort, while Furman’s ability to create opportunities in transition and from behind the arc helped swing the game in its favor after a competitive first half.
Furman Jumps Out Early
Furman won the opening tip and struck quickly. Wilkins scored on a layup and followed with a three, setting the tone for an aggressive start. Ben Vanderwal and Tom House contributed early interior scoring, forcing Charleston Southern to adjust defensively and accumulate early fouls.
At the first media timeout, Furman led 11–2 with 15:34 remaining. Thomas’s long ball pushed the advantage to 14–7, reflecting a repeatable theme from Furman’s recent stretch — spacing the floor with high-percentage shooters. That balance has been a key factor in Furman’s eight wins in nine outings, a run that has elevated the Paladins’ confidence against both mid-major and higher-profile nonconference opponents. (furmanpaladins.com)
First-Half Swings
Furman’s focus on attacking the basket drew fouls and pressure early — Charleston Southern had picked up six team fouls with more than 12 minutes to play in the half. After some back-and-forth scoring, the Paladins led 24–18 at the next media timeout.
Charleston Southern briefly took control, using turnovers to jump ahead 27–25 with under four minutes left in the half. Furman responded when it mattered: Thomas drilled a three, Vanderwal made both free throws, and Wilkins added a momentum-boosting reverse layup. The Buccaneers hit a buzzer shot to take a 35–34 lead into halftime, but Furman’s resilience was evident. Wilkins led Furman with 11 first-half points, while Vanderwal contributed seven.
Second-Half Surge Ignites Timmons Arena
Furman emerged from the locker room with decisive urgency. Wilkins scored right away, and Thomas hit a three to spark an early run. An electrifying alley-oop finish pushed Furman ahead 43–40, forcing a Charleston Southern timeout and energizing the home crowd.
The Paladins continued to pour it on with hot three-point shooting. Wilkins and Thomas connected from deep, and Abidah Franklin added one of his own, swelling the lead to 58–46. A key defensive stop led to Charles Johnston delivering a sharp cross-court pass to Tom House, who buried a three to extend Furman’s margin to 61–46 with 12:03 remaining.
The balanced attack and depth that Furman has cultivated this season were on full display, as the team pushed its lead to 68–54 with 7:52 left, looking in control.
Franklin’s Defensive Impact
While Furman’s scoring was instrumental, Abidah Franklin made an important defensive contribution by limiting Charleston Southern’s leading scorer Brycen Blaine for much of the night, disrupting the Buccaneers’ offensive rhythm and forcing other scoring sources to step up. Franklin’s effort helped the Paladins maintain disciplined help defense while still pressuring ball handlers — a defensive versatility that has served Furman well throughout its recent surge.
Closing the Game
Charleston Southern mounted a late surge, briefly taking the lead 72–69 after a pair of three-pointers and some quick transition baskets. Furman responded with composure. Ben Vanderwal scored inside to cut the deficit, and Asa Thomas made a series of critical plays — a free throw, a clutch three-pointer, and a timely assist to Charles Johnston — to swing momentum back to the Paladins. From there, Furman maintained control, closing the game at the free-throw line to secure the 84–76 victory.
Standout Performers
- Asa Thomas: 25 points, including critical second-half threes
- Alex Wilkins: 24 points, strong all-around game
- Ben Vanderwal: 13 points, key inside baskets
- Abidah Franklin: Defensive presence on Blaine
Furman’s balanced scoring and defensive adjustments reflect the depth and cohesiveness that have become hallmarks of the Richey era. (greenvillesportsmedia.com)
Up Next: New Year’s Eve vs. Mercer
Furman will remain at home as Southern Conference play continues, hosting Mercer on New Year’s Eve at noon at Timmons Arena.
Mercer has played solid basketball this season, showing balance on both ends of the floor and consistently challenging opponents. The Bears enter with experience and talent that make them a strong test for Furman despite the Paladins’ historical dominance. Furman leads the all-time series, winning the last two meetings and 20 of the last 22 overall, but Mercer’s recent development signals that this matchup will demand focus and effort. (mercerbears.com)
With students away for winter break, the Paladins are calling on the Upstate community to provide a home-court advantage. Families, alumni, and basketball fans across the region are encouraged to fill the seats, cheer loudly, and help Furman close out 2025 with momentum.
About the Author
