Furman's Tom House led the charge as the Paladins secured a 78-73 win over Samford at Timmons Arena, bolstering their tournament resume with a Quadrant 4 victory. House's 21 points set the tone for Furman, who improved to 15-7 on the season. The Paladins' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 9.2-point win for Furman, and although the actual margin was narrower at 5 points, the outcome was spot on.
The first half saw both teams trade baskets, with Furman taking a slim 35-33 lead into the break. Samford's Jadin Booth was unstoppable, scoring 23 points to keep his team within striking distance. However, Furman's supporting cast, including Alex Wilkins with 20 points and Ben Vander Wal with 11 points and 6 rebounds, helped the Paladins maintain their advantage throughout the second half.
As the game unfolded, Furman's balanced attack proved too much for Samford to handle. The Paladins' 43 second-half points were just enough to keep the Bulldogs at bay, despite a strong effort from Dylan Faulkner, who chipped in 19 points and 12 rebounds for Samford. Kam Martin added 14 points for the Bulldogs, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
Furman's win was a reflection of their depth and resilience. With multiple players contributing on the scoreboard, the Paladins were able to withstand Samford's push and secure the victory. The Bulldogs, now 10-12 on the season, want to regroup and refocus as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
The victory for Furman has real consequences for their tournament chances. As a Quadrant 4 win, it may not be the most glamorous result, but it's a crucial one for the Paladins' resume. With a current NET ranking of 174, Furman must continue to rack up wins to improve their standing. This victory, although not a Quadrant 1 or 2 win, is still a valuable addition to their portfolio.
For Samford, the loss drops them to 10-12 and a NET ranking of 262, making their path to the tournament even more challenging. As a Quadrant 3 game for the Bulldogs, this was an opportunity to pick up a quality win, but it ultimately slipped through their fingers.
In the end, Furman's strong team performance and Tom House's standout effort were the difference-makers here. As the Paladins look to build on this win, they'll need to continue to rely on their depth and balanced attack to propel them forward. With this Quadrant 4 victory in the books, Furman has taken a small but significant step towards solidifying their tournament resume.