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ASHEVILLE, N.C. — For much of the first half inside Harrah’s Cherokee Center, the UNC Greensboro Spartans men’s basketball looked like the team headed to Monday night’s championship.
The Spartans controlled the glass, attacked the paint, and forced the Furman Paladins men’s basketball into uncomfortable possessions, building an 11-point halftime lead in the Southern Conference semifinal.
But the second half turned into a completely different game.
Behind a spectacular performance from Alex Wilkins, timely shooting from Asa Thomas, and interior production from Cooper Bowser, Furman erupted for 54 second-half points to rally past UNCG 81–75 and advance to the SoCon championship.
Wilkins finished with 34 points, while Thomas added 17 points and Bowser chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds to help fuel the comeback.
Spartans Dictate the First Half
UNCG came out with confidence and physicality.
Forward Justin Neely immediately established himself inside, scoring through contact and controlling the boards. The Spartans’ offense flowed through their veteran big man, who repeatedly attacked the rim and drew fouls.
Neely finished with 27 points and 8 rebounds, leading a balanced UNCG effort. Guard KJ Younger added 15 points, including several mid-range jumpers that helped stretch the defense.
Midway through the half, the Spartans pieced together a decisive run — turning defensive stops into transition baskets and forcing Furman into rushed shots.
By the break, UNCG held a 38–27 lead, and the momentum inside the arena had shifted heavily toward the Spartans.
Furman Comes Out Firing
The Paladins returned from the locker room with a completely different urgency.
Wilkins sparked the rally almost immediately, attacking the rim for a pair of baskets before knocking down a pull-up jumper that cut the deficit to single digits.
Moments later, Thomas buried a deep three from the wing, and Bowser followed with a strong finish inside after an offensive rebound.
Suddenly the arena came alive.
Possession by possession, Furman began chipping away at the Spartans’ lead as the Paladins’ offense finally found its rhythm.
The Turning Point
The defining stretch came midway through the second half.
With Furman still trailing, Wilkins drilled a contested jumper to cut the deficit to three. On the next possession, the Paladins forced a turnover near midcourt and pushed the ball in transition.
Wilkins raced down the floor and finished through contact, igniting the crowd.
Moments later, Thomas knocked down another three-pointer from the corner, giving Furman its first lead since the opening minutes.
In the span of barely two minutes, the Paladins had flipped the entire game.
From that point forward, Furman never trailed again.
Furman Closes the Door
UNCG refused to go quietly.
Neely continued battling inside for late baskets, and Younger attacked the rim to keep the Spartans within striking distance.
But Furman’s offense stayed composed down the stretch.
Bowser delivered a key basket inside with under two minutes remaining, and Wilkins calmly knocked down free throws in the final seconds to seal the 81–75 victory.
The Paladins had turned an 11-point halftime deficit into a dramatic comeback win — and a spot in the SoCon championship game.
Stat Snapshot
Furman
- Alex Wilkins — 34 points
- Asa Thomas — 17 points, 3 three-pointers
- Cooper Bowser — 14 points, 7 rebounds
UNCG
- Justin Neely — 27 points, 8 rebounds
- KJ Younger — 15 points
Furman outscored UNCG 54–37 in the second half to complete the comeback.
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