Furman's Alex Wilkins stole the show at Timmons Arena, leading the Paladins to a convincing 90-79 win over Queens. Wilkins' impressive all-around performance, which included 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, set the tone for the evening. The junior guard's ability to create for himself and his teammates proved too much for the Queens defense to handle.
The first half belonged to Furman, as they built a 13-point lead by halftime, with the score sitting at 45-32. Wilkins was instrumental in the Paladins' strong start, scoring 12 points and dishing out 4 assists in the opening 20 minutes. Cooper Bowser and Eddrin Bronson also chipped in, scoring 9 and 8 points, respectively, to help Furman establish a comfortable cushion.
Queens, led by Maban Jabriel's 16 points and 7 rebounds, attempted to mount a comeback in the second half. The Knights outscored Furman 47-45 in the final 20 minutes, with Jabriel and Nasir Mann combining for 23 points. However, the deficit proved too great to overcome, and Furman's balanced attack ultimately sealed the win.
Furman's victory was a reflection of their depth and cohesion, as four players scored in double figures. In addition to Wilkins' standout performance, Bowser and Bronson added 17 and 15 points, respectively. The Paladins' ability to share the ball and create scoring opportunities for each other made them a formidable opponent for Queens.
While Queens' loss may not have been unexpected, given Furman's strong home record, it still has implications for their tournament resume. As a Quadrant 3 loss for the Knights, it won't significantly harm their chances, but it does highlight the need for them to secure quality wins in their remaining games. For Furman, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not particularly impressive, still helps to bolster their overall record.
As the season progresses, Furman want to build on this performance, using Wilkins' exceptional play as a catalyst. With a 14-7 record, the Paladins are positioning themselves for a potential postseason run. Meanwhile, Queens will aim to regroup and refocus, using Jabriel's impressive outing as a building block for future success. The loss may not be devastating, but it serves as a reminder that the Knights must continue to improve if they hope to make a deep tournament run. Ultimately, Furman's win over Queens reinforces their status as a formidable mid-major program, while also underscoring the challenges that lie ahead for both teams as they navigate their respective schedules.