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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The clock moved faster than the calm inside Brooks Gym would allow. Each possession tightened the air, each whistle drew another surge of noise, and every shot carried weight as Furman and East Tennessee State fought through four quarters of controlled chaos. When the final scramble ended and the noise finally settled, Furman stood firm, surviving repeated ETSU rallies and a frantic closing sequence to claim a 72-70 victory Thursday night in its Southern Conference opener.
The Paladins opened league play with balance, toughness, and late-game execution, improving to 9-7 overall and 1-0 in conference action. Furman built an early cushion, surrendered momentum more than once, and still found answers in the final minutes behind poised defense and timely scoring. ETSU fell to 7-9 but pushed Furman to the edge in a game decided by a handful of possessions.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Furman wasted little time establishing control, racing out to a double-digit lead behind crisp ball movement and physical play in the paint. The Paladins dictated tempo early, attacking mismatches and forcing ETSU into rushed possessions. Their defensive pressure disrupted passing lanes and fueled transition opportunities that quieted the crowd.
ETSU struggled to find rhythm in the opening minutes, missing several open looks and turning the ball over against Furman’s pressure. The Buccaneers eventually settled in, slowing the pace and grinding out points at the free-throw line. Still, Furman closed the first quarter firmly in command, setting the tone for a game that would demand composure.
Coyle and Parnell Anchor Furman’s Attack
Sophomore forward Clare Coyle delivered a steady presence throughout, finishing with a team-high 19 points on efficient shooting. She scored through contact, stepped confidently into midrange looks, and delivered in key moments when ETSU threatened to take control. Her calm at the free-throw line late proved critical.
Kyraha Parnell provided muscle and momentum inside, recording a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Several of those rebounds came on the offensive glass, extending possessions and wearing down ETSU’s frontcourt. Parnell’s effort created second-chance points that mattered in a two-point game.
Guard Alyssa Ervin added timely scoring, knocking down jumpers when the defense collapsed inside. Raina McGowens controlled pace and spacing, delivering smart passes that kept Furman balanced offensively.
Nelson Ignites ETSU’s Comeback
ETSU found its spark behind Anala Nelson, who poured in a game-high 22 points and repeatedly attacked Furman’s defense off the dribble. Nelson’s aggressiveness shifted momentum midway through the game, especially during a third-quarter run that brought the Buccaneers back to life.
Her pull-up jumper and drives to the rim energized the crowd and forced Furman to adjust defensively. ETSU complemented Nelson’s effort with strong interior play, battling on the boards and contesting shots to keep the Paladins from pulling away.
A 10-0 ETSU run in the third quarter briefly flipped the script, giving the Buccaneers their first lead since early in the game. The stretch tested Furman’s resolve and set up a tense final period.
Fourth-Quarter Chess Match
The final quarter unfolded as a possession-by-possession battle, with neither team willing to blink. ETSU trimmed the margin to one with under five minutes remaining, capitalizing on a Furman turnover and converting at the line. The energy inside Brooks Gym surged.
Furman responded with composure. Coyle scored on a tough post move, then drew a foul on the next possession. Ervin later buried a clutch jumper to push the lead back to three. Each basket felt heavier as time slipped away.
ETSU had one last chance to tie in the closing seconds, but Furman’s defense contested the final look and secured the rebound as the horn sounded.
Defense, Discipline Decide Outcome
Furman shot efficiently and executed late, especially at the free-throw line. The Paladins limited ETSU’s second-chance opportunities in the final minutes and avoided costly mistakes under pressure. ETSU stayed within striking distance with strong perimeter shooting but could not convert when it mattered most.
The difference came down to discipline, rebounding, and timely execution, hallmarks of Furman’s approach entering conference play.
Looking Ahead
The win gives Furman an early foothold in the Southern Conference race and reinforces its ability to close tight games on hostile floors. It also provides a valuable confidence boost as January grinds forward and margins continue to shrink. The Paladins carry that edge into Saturday’s matchup at Chattanooga, while ETSU looks to regroup after a loss decided by inches, possessions, and moments that linger.
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