Furman vs Belmont 7:30 PM | ESPN+
This year will be the fourth straight year that the Bruins and Paladins have played, with Furman taking the last two matchups. Furman blew out the Bruins last year, 99-76, behind a very balanced effort on the scoreboard.
Furman will roll into Nashville off of a feel good victory vs. Columbia International. The night was highlighted by Tom House scoring all 21 of his points in the first half, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. Tommy Humphries also stepped up in his first regular season action, with 15 points on 6 of 8 shooting. The Paladins will need consistent performance from the wing after the departure of Marcus Foster, and it looks like Tom House may be ready for that role. What we are seeing from House and Humphries could be an essential puzzle piece to Furman’s regular season success.
Flying slightly under the radar is the absence of veteran guard PJay Smith during the early season action. Furman fans should be optimistic about seeing him in this game, which will provide stability in the backcourt and another shooter on the perimeter. In addition, Charles Johnston, who performed admirably in the preseason against Auburn, was absent in the opener. There is also optimism around his situation, and he could bring even more firepower to what looks like could be a pretty explosive Furman offense. He’ll likely work his way into the starting lineup if he continues at his current pace.
Projected Starting Five vs Belmont:
PJay Smith
Nick Anderson
Tom House
Garrett Hein
Cooper Bowser
Belmont
Belmont has been a mainstay in the mid major ranks, consistently reaching postseasons and churning out great players (Dylan Windler, Ben Sheppard). This year’s team has almost entirely flipped from the team that the Paladins demolished in Timmons Arena last season. Top players Cade Tyson, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Malik Dia have all moved on to Power 5 rosters.
Furman fans should look out for Isaiah Walker and Brody Peebles, who will be the difference makers for Belmont. Walker has come up within the Belmont program, and seems ready to take a leading role this season, with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 of 4 from deep in their opening game. Peebles is a transfer from Liberty, where he was a reliable sixth man for a strong team. He will also be ready to step into a starting role this season. Carter Whitt, the former Paladin is also on the roster, but did not play in their opener. He had 6 points and 5 assists in this matchup last season.
Projected Starting Five:
Brody Peebles
Isaiah Walker
Aidan Noyes
Brigham Rogers
Jonathan Pierre
Keys to the Game
Can Furman continue its hot shooting start?
Everyone in the Belmont lineup can shoot the three, so the defense will need to be well-connected and playing hard to keep up with the Belmont offense.
Don’t let the crowd take over. Furman has been comfortable at home, and will face a true road test for the first time with the new team. Belmont has a strong home court advantage, so the Dins should look to jump out early and bring the fight to the Bruins