1
0
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As the noise rose inside McKenzie Arena, Furman stayed calm, steady, and in control from the opening tip. The Paladins never rushed, never panicked, and dictated the night with poise in a 78-67 win over Chattanooga.
From the opening possessions, Furman set the tone with spacing and patience. The Paladins moved the ball side to side and attacked defensive mismatches deliberately. Chattanooga chased shooters and struggled to disrupt passing lanes. Each possession forced extended defensive effort.
Midway through the first half, Furman created separation. The Paladins used a 12-3 run to quiet the crowd and shift momentum. Tom House buried consecutive deep threes during the stretch. Each make pulled defenders farther from the lane.
As Chattanooga adjusted, Furman countered inside. Charles Johnston established position and finished through contact. Furman continued feeding the post and cutting off the ball. Execution punished late rotations.
Defensively, Furman remained disciplined. The Paladins stayed vertical and limited fouling. Chattanooga struggled to generate clean looks late in the half. Furman carried a 39-30 halftime lead with control intact.
Balance and Poise Carry Furman
Johnston anchored Furman throughout the night with physical scoring and rebounding. The senior forward finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. His presence forced constant defensive attention. Chattanooga rarely found answers inside.
House provided the perimeter spark Furman needed. He finished with 17 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. His shooting stretched the floor and punished defensive lapses. Chattanooga paid whenever he found space.
Asa Thomas delivered a complete performance. Thomas scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He defended multiple positions and made timely shots. His calm presence steadied Furman during key stretches.
Furman’s balance defined the night. Chattanooga could not key on a single scorer. Every possession featured movement and spacing.
Chattanooga Pushes, Furman Answers
Chattanooga mounted its strongest push early in the second half. Jordan Frison attacked downhill and finished with 25 points. Tedrick Washington Jr. added 15 points and energized the Mocs defensively. The crowd reengaged as momentum shifted.
The deficit shrank to seven points. Furman responded without urgency or panic. The Paladins answered with a 9-2 run to restore control.
Asa Thomas buried a corner three to halt the surge. Johnston followed with a putback after an offensive rebound. The sequence quieted the arena and reset the tone.
From there, Furman dictated terms. The Paladins valued possessions and drained clock. Chattanooga never cut the margin below six points. Every Mocs basket met a composed response.
A Road Win That Resonates
The victory improved Furman to 11-5 overall and 2-1 in Southern Conference play. More importantly, it reinforced Furman’s veteran identity. The Paladins showed they can absorb pressure and execute on the road.
There was no flash or panic. Only control, spacing, and confidence. Those traits travel in January.
Furman left Chattanooga with more than a win. It left with clarity about who it is becoming.
About the Author
