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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Bulldogs didn’t just survive Wednesday night — they thrived. In a Southern Conference clash that swung wildly from end to end, The Citadel outlasted Furman 77–75 in overtime, leaving the Paladins stunned and the home crowd roaring. Every rebound, every contested shot, every late possession felt magnified in a game that demanded toughness.
Furman (13–7, 4–3 SoCon) built a lead in the first half and appeared in control, but Citadel (6–14, 3–4) refused to yield. By the final buzzer, the Bulldogs’ late surge had erased Furman’s advantage and turned the contest into a dramatic overtime showdown.
Paladins Grab Early Lead
Furman came out aggressive, moving the ball crisply and finding open looks. The Paladins built a 40–28 halftime lead through a combination of strong interior play, crisp ball movement, and defensive intensity.
Senior forward Charles Johnston was a force in the paint, finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds, keeping Furman ahead on the glass and giving the Paladins a physical edge early. Alex Wilkins, orchestrating Furman’s offense, added 15 points and 12 assists, probing gaps, finding open teammates, and keeping Furman in control when the game tightened.
Citadel Claws Back
The Bulldogs refused to fold. With Sola Adebisi scoring 22 points and pulling down eight rebounds, Citadel slowly chipped away at Furman’s lead. Braxton Williams added 12 points, including key baskets down the stretch, helping the Bulldogs maintain pressure as regulation wore on.
The Paladins still had moments to extend their edge, but every score was met with an answer. Furman’s shots didn’t always fall, and Citadel’s defensive intensity began to dictate the pace. By the end of regulation, the scoreboard read 75–75, setting the stage for overtime drama.
Overtime Drama Decides the Game
Extra time was a test of will. Citadel struck first, the crowd amplified every basket, and the Bulldogs built a small but critical edge. Furman battled, hitting free throws and fighting for loose balls, but Citadel’s energy and poise proved decisive.
Furman’s final chance — including a corner three attempt by Wilkins — rimmed out, and Citadel secured the rebound, clinching the thrilling 77–75 victory.
Furman’s Key Stats
The Paladins shot 43% from the field and 81% from the free-throw line, pulling down 39 rebounds to match Citadel’s total. Johnston’s 15 points and 14 rebounds anchored the inside, while Wilkins’ 15 points and 12 assists orchestrated the offense. Other contributors added timely scoring, but a handful of late turnovers and missed defensive rotations allowed Citadel to seize the win.
Looking Ahead
For Furman, the loss is a reminder of how narrow margins are in the Southern Conference. The Paladins controlled long stretches but could not close out under pressure.
Furman will regroup quickly and focus on execution in the final minutes as conference play continues. Wednesday’s contest was dramatic, exhausting, and illustrative — the kind of game a beat writer lives to cover, and one that will linger in the memory for both teams.
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