TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (Interstat) — In a tense Southern Conference rematch decided in the final seconds, the Furman Paladins held off a persistent Samford Bulldogs squad 78-73 on Thursday night at Timmons Arena.

The game, played before a crowd of 2,037, was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Furman’s victory was anchored by a remarkably efficient offensive performance, shooting 58.3% from the field while committing 11 turnovers. Samford, conversely, struggled with its shot all night, finishing at 40.9% from the floor and a costly 54.5% from the free-throw line. Despite those struggles, the Bulldogs leveraged 14 offensive rebounds and a mere two turnovers to stay within striking distance until the final buzzer.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the game’s closing minute. With Furman leading 73-70, Samford’s Jadin Booth connected on a deep 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, tying the game and silencing the home crowd. The Paladins, however, executed under pressure. On the ensuing possession, Furman worked the ball to Cole Bowser, who was fouled on a shot attempt with 46 seconds left. Bowser calmly sank both free throws to restore a two-point lead.

Samford had a chance to answer, but Kam Martin’s 3-point attempt with 39 seconds left was off the mark. Furman’s Charles Johnston secured the defensive rebound, one of his game-high 16 boards, and was immediately fouled. The 6-foot-11 center from Sydney, Australia, made the first free throw but missed the second, leaving the door slightly ajar at 76-73 with 34 seconds to play.

After a timeout, Samford set up a play for Booth, whose potential game-tying 3-pointer from the wing with 8 seconds left rimmed out. Furman’s Collin O’Neal grabbed the decisive rebound, was fouled, and made both free throws to seal the five-point victory.

Furman was led by a balanced scoring attack. Tom House, a 6-foot-7 guard from Dayton, Ohio, scored a team-high 21 points, while Alex Wilkins of Mattapan, Massachusetts, added 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Johnston, the game’s top star, controlled the paint with his 16 rebounds, eight points and three assists, anchoring a Furman defense that blocked five shots.

Samford’s effort was spearheaded by Dylan Faulkner. The 6-foot-9 forward from Calhoun, Georgia, posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jadin Booth from Omaha, Nebraska, led all scorers with 23 points, including five 3-pointers.

The first half set the stage for the tight finish, with Furman taking a narrow 35-33 lead into the break. The Paladins built several small leads in the second half, but each time Samford responded, largely through second-chance opportunities and a relentless defensive effort that generated six steals.

With the win, Furman improves to 15-7 overall and evens its conference record after recent setbacks. Samford falls to 10-12, continuing a pattern of narrow defeats in league play. The Paladins completed a regular-season sweep of the Bulldogs, having also won 77-73 in Birmingham on Jan. 14.

Furman next hosts Chattanooga on Sunday. Samford travels to face Western Carolina on Saturday.