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GREENVILLE, S.C. — The energy inside Timmons Arena was electric from the opening tip. A sellout crowd leapt with every Furman run, eager to see the Paladins build on their home win over Mercer. Western Carolina absorbed the noise and late Furman surges, escaping with an 80-77 overtime victory in Southern Conference play.
Catamounts Start Hot, Paladins Respond
Western Carolina opened with a quick 3-pointer, but Furman answered with crisp ball movement. Forward Ben Vander Wal and guard Alex Wilkins created early looks that lifted the crowd. At the first media timeout, Furman led 6-5.
The Catamounts’ perimeter shooting quickly shifted momentum. Cord Stansberry hit timely 3s, and Western Carolina exploited second-chance opportunities. Furman missed several close shots, and by eight minutes left in the half, the visitors led 20-17. Charles Johnston’s improbable 3-pointer and Vander Wal’s challenging layups kept Furman within striking distance. At halftime, Western Carolina held a 32-24 advantage, fueled by 53 percent shooting from three-point range and 10 second-chance points.
Second Half Surge and Shifting Momentum
Furman came out with energy in the second half. Wilkins and Johnston traded 3-pointers, cutting the deficit to 40-36 with 16:42 left. The Timmons crowd roared, sensing a turning point.
The Paladins rode a 10-0 run and took a brief 44-42 lead on a Wilkins reverse layup. Western Carolina responded with a 7-0 run led by Justin Johnson’s three, regaining a 49-44 advantage. Furman battled back as Asa Thomas drained a huge 3, tying the game 53-53. Vander Wal’s thunderous baseline dunk and Wilkins’ mid-range floaters put Furman ahead 60-58 with four minutes remaining.
Drama Into Regulation
In the final two minutes, both teams traded clutch baskets. Vander Wal scored on a baseline dunk, while Johnston grabbed key rebounds. Furman tied it 65-65 with 24 seconds left, but their final shot rimmed out, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime: Catamounts Edge Past Paladins
The extra period started with both teams trading buckets. Western Carolina hit multiple 3s to build a 72-68 lead, and a layup extended the advantage to 74-68. Thomas hit all three free throws after a foul, keeping Furman within five. The Paladins applied a full-court press, forcing consecutive turnovers and cutting the lead to 78-77.
Stansberry calmly sank two free throws with 6.7 seconds left, and Wilkins’ final 3-point attempt fell short, sealing Western Carolina’s 80-77 win.
Key Performers and Takeaways
Western Carolina shot 50 percent from 3-point range and converted crucial late possessions. Furman’s Vander Wal finished strong inside, Wilkins hit key mid-range shots, and Thomas contributed critical late threes. Furman falls to 10-5 overall, 1-1 in conference play; Western Carolina moves to 5-8, 1-1.
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