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GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Furman spent most of Thursday night trying to recover from a sluggish opening quarter, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Paladins fell 62-54 to Chattanooga in Southern Conference women’s basketball action at Timmons Arena.
Despite a stronger second half and a late push in the fourth quarter, Furman couldn’t fully erase the damage done in the opening 10 minutes against a Chattanooga team that entered the night unbeaten in league play.
EARLY STRUGGLES DIG DEEP HOLE
Chattanooga wasted little time taking control, jumping out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter as Furman struggled to find an offensive rhythm. The Paladins managed just one field goal in the opening period and were limited to contested looks as Chattanooga applied pressure defensively and controlled the boards.
Furman trailed 30-18 at halftime after shooting 28 percent from the field in the opening half. Several promising possessions ended without points, allowing the Mocs to maintain separation and dictate the tempo.
Chattanooga pushed the margin to as many as 18 points in the third quarter, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and timely perimeter shooting to keep Furman from mounting sustained runs.
PALADINS SHOW FIGHT AFTER HALFTIME
To Furman’s credit, the Paladins responded with increased energy in the second half, particularly on the defensive end. Furman forced turnovers and began to convert in transition, slowly chipping away at the deficit.
The Paladins cut the lead to single digits in the fourth quarter and briefly had momentum as the crowd at Timmons Arena came alive. However, each Furman surge was met by a Chattanooga response, preventing the Paladins from fully turning the game.
Furman finished the night with improved ball movement and shot selection in the second half, but the early offensive struggles ultimately proved costly.
COYLE, ERVIN LEAD FURMAN OFFENSE
Furman (14-9, 6-2 SoCon) was led by Clare Coyle, who scored 17 points and provided a steady offensive presence throughout the night. Alyssa Ervin added 15 points, including key baskets during Furman’s fourth-quarter push.
The Paladins received contributions across the lineup, but consistent scoring was difficult to come by early, particularly against a Chattanooga defense that packed the paint and challenged shots.
CORBITT POWERS CHATTANOOGA
Chattanooga (16-5, 8-0 SoCon) leaned heavily on Gianna Corbitt, who delivered a dominant performance with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Corbitt was efficient throughout the night, shooting 11-of-14 from the field while controlling the interior on both ends.
Caia Elisaldez added 13 points and 11 assists, orchestrating the offense and helping the Mocs maintain composure during Furman’s late pushes. Chattanooga committed 29 turnovers but offset those mistakes with a 41-24 rebounding advantage, limiting Furman’s second-chance opportunities.
REBOUNDING, EXECUTION MAKE DIFFERENCE
The rebounding disparity proved to be a decisive factor, as Chattanooga consistently won battles on the glass and extended possessions. Those extra opportunities allowed the Mocs to slow Furman’s comeback attempts and keep the Paladins from gaining sustained momentum.
While Furman tightened defensively down the stretch, Chattanooga’s execution in key moments preserved the lead and secured the road win.
LOOKING AHEAD
The loss slows Furman’s momentum in the Southern Conference race but leaves the Paladins firmly in contention as the regular season continues. Furman will look to regroup quickly as it prepares for its next conference matchup, with lessons to be taken from Thursday night’s slow start and second-half response.
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