The Furman Paladins stood strong defensively against Richmond with a thrilling 73-72 victory over the Spiders, handing them their first loss of the season behind a career-high 26 points from Alex Wilkins and 20 points from Asa Thomas. Now, the Paladins advance to the final to face another challenging opponent: the Illinois State Redbirds.
The Redbirds (5-2) punched their ticket to the final by dispatching Charlotte 79-69, riding a dominant early surge that Charlotte never truly recovered from. Furman will face a talented Missouri Valley Conference squad that has found its footing with a strong scoring punch and rebounding edge.
Redbirds Scouting Report
Offensive Presence Inside
The Redbirds run an efficient offense that averages 80.0 points per game and shoots a respectable 46.7% from the field. They are capable beyond the arc, averaging 8.7 three-pointers per contest.
Ty’Reek Coleman (G, 6-2): The freshman guard is the season’s leading scorer for the Redbirds, averaging 14.5 PPG. Coleman is a reliable ball-handler who attacks the basket and sets up the offense.
Boden Skunberg (G, 6-5, Gr.): The veteran guard is coming off a season-best performance against Charlotte where he tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds, proving he can take over games and contribute across the board. Furman must contain Skunberg’s momentum from the previous day.
Chase Walker (F, 6-9, Jr.): Walker is a key threat in the paint. He put up 18 points against the 49ers and is adept at getting to the line, where he has a high free-throw rate. His size presents a mismatch Furman’s frontcourt must address.
Defense & Turnovers
While the Redbirds prioritize offense, they are strong on the glass, holding a season-long +7.2 rebounding margin against opponents. They rely on their physical presence to secure second-chance opportunities and limit their opponents to one shot. The team’s tendency to get off to a “fast start” (as seen against Charlotte) is a key trait, meaning Furman must start sharp and avoid falling into an early hole. Furman’s previous success forcing turnovers (17 against Richmond) will be tested by ISU’s focused offense.
Keys to Victory for the Paladins
Furman has found its identity with the strong play of Wilkins and Thomas, coupled with clutch defense, including the implementation of the one-three-one zone. To capture the tournament crown, the Paladins must execute these three keys:
Contain the Walker/Skunberg Frontcourt: Illinois State is built around the interior scoring of Walker and the rebounding prowess of both him and Skunberg. Charles Johnston (7 rebounds vs. Richmond) and the rest of the Furman frontcourt must win the rebounding battle and prevent second-chance points, especially against the 6-9 Walker.
Convert at the Line: Despite shooting 52% from the field against Richmond, Furman’s alarming 9-for-21 performance (42.9%) at the free-throw line is something to improve upon. Against a strong offensive team like Illinois State, Furman cannot afford to leave points on the board.
Pressure Coleman: The Paladins created havoc yesterday (18 points off turnovers against Richmond). While ISU doesn’t have a high turnover rate, pressuring the primary ball-handler, Ty’Reek Coleman, and forcing him out of his rhythm will stall the Redbirds’ 80-point offense.
The Forecast
This matchup is a true test of wills: Furman’s sharp shooting and opportunistic defense versus Illinois State’s powerful inside presence and dominant rebounding. If Furman can replicate its high field goal percentage, get aggressive on the defensive glass, and, crucially, make their free throws, they have the formula to grind out a victory. The Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational Final will be a close battle, but look for the Paladins to capitalize on their tournament momentum.