In a stunning turn of events, UNC Greensboro pulled off a monumental upset at Timmons Arena, defeating Furman 67-64. The Spartans, ranked 311 in the net rankings, took down the 181-ranked Paladins, defying a predicted 18.8-point margin in favor of Furman. This outcome is a significant blow to Furman's tournament hopes, while UNC Greensboro's improbable win bolsters their resume with a Quadrant 3 victory.
Justin Neely's 13 Rebounds Tie Season High
Furman's Cooper Bowser led the charge for the Paladins, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Spartans' balanced attack. UNC Greensboro's Justin Neely stole the show, posting an impressive 24 points and 13 rebounds to propel his team to victory. Neely's dominant performance was complemented by Noah Norgaard and Donald Whitehead Jr., who each contributed 11 points to the Spartans' cause.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The game got off to a blistering start, with UNC Greensboro racing out to a 39-32 halftime lead. The Spartans' offense was clicking, and their defense was able to contain Furman's high-powered attack. However, the Paladins refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. Alex Wilkins and Asa Thomas joined Bowser in leading the charge, but UNC Greensboro's lead proved too great to overcome.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Furman winning by 18.8 points, was wildly inaccurate. The actual margin of victory was a mere 3 points, a reflection of the Spartans' grit and determination. This result will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball world, as UNC Greensboro's upset win throws a wrench into Furman's tournament aspirations.
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. For Furman, this Quadrant 4 loss is a devastating blow to their tournament chances. The Paladins' resume, once bolstered by a strong record, now bears a significant blemish. On the other hand, UNC Greensboro's Quadrant 3 win is a massive boost to their own tournament hopes. While the Spartans still have a long way to go, this upset victory demonstrates their ability to compete with superior opponents.