Furman Looks to Avenge OT Loss at Western Carolina

CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Furman Paladins visit the Ramsey Center on Saturday seeking to even the season series and solidify their standing against a Western Carolina Catamounts squad riding a wave of home momentum in Southern Conference men’s basketball.

Furman (19-11) enters the Feb. 28 matchup with the better overall record but carries the memory of an 80-77 overtime loss to Western Carolina (13-15) on Jan. 3 in Greenville, South Carolina. That result snapped a five-game winning streak for the Paladins in the head-to-head series.

The Paladins have been inconsistent in February, going 4-4 in their last eight games. They are coming off a 72-51 home win over The Citadel on Wednesday, where Alex Wilkins dished out five assists. The junior guard has been a key catalyst, averaging 15.6 points and 4.6 assists over his last eight contests. His season highlight was a 33-point, 5-assist effort in a win over Chattanooga on Feb. 1.

Western Carolina, however, has found its stride at home, winning five straight in Cullowhee, including a 78-74 victory over Mercer on Wednesday. The Catamounts’ surge has been fueled by senior guard Cord Stansberry, who is averaging 18.0 points over the last five games. He posted a 21-point, 4-assist line against Mercer and recorded a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double in a win at VMI on Feb. 21.

Furman’s offense, which averages 76.8 points per game, will test a Western Carolina defense that has allowed 77.9 points per contest this season. The Paladins will need to contain Stansberry and forward Marcus Kell, who scored 18 points in the last outing.

For Western Carolina, protecting home court is paramount as it looks to climb above .500 in conference play and build momentum ahead of the Southern Conference tournament. For Furman, the game represents a critical opportunity to bolster its resume and exact revenge for its earlier overtime disappointment.

Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. Eastern at the Ramsey Center.