Princeton at Furman | 12:00 PM | ESPN+
Furman pulled out their eighth win in a tight game against Florida Gulf Coast in Fort Myers, FL. The Paladins struggled in the first half and trailed by as many as 13 points. Play Smith scored a team-high 18 points to help secure the victory for Furman. The game was sealed for the Paladins by a 19-6 run late in the fourth quarter. Ben VanderWal had his best game of the season, scoring 10 points in 23 minutes of play.
PJay and Ben were also supported by Nick Anderson, who made the biggest play of the game with a victory-sealing steal in the final moments, sending the Paladins home with momentum. Furman’s defense was key in the second half, as they held Florida Gulf Coast to just 30% shooting after the break. Despite the early struggles, the Paladins displayed resilience, proving their ability to close out tough games. Coach Bob Richey will look to build on the defensive improvements as Furman prepares for tougher challenges ahead.
Projected Starting Five:
PJay Smith
Nick Anderson
Ben VanderWal
Garrett Hien
Cooper Bowser
Princeton Tigers:
Princeton's men's basketball team, under head coach Mitch Henderson, has been consistently competitive, and a force in the Ivy League. The 2023-24 season is no different. Coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance where they made a run to the Sweet 16, the Tigers are looking to build on that success and continue their upward trajectory. Princeton is known for its methodical offense, which is often built around sharp ball movement, patience, and high basketball IQ—traits that have become synonymous with Henderson’s system.
This season, the Tigers return several key contributors from last year’s squad, led by junior guard, Xavier Lee. Lee flirted with the NBA during the offseason, but returned this year as one of the top mid major players in the country. He averages over 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, and hits on 38% of his threes. He will be the focal point of Furman’s defense. The Tigers also return standout junior forward Caden Pierce, a versatile player known for his defense, rebounding, and ability to contribute offensively.
Princeton has always prided itself on its disciplined defense, and this year's squad is no exception. The Tigers excel at limiting opponents' offensive sets, switching effectively on screens, and contesting shots without fouling. They also rely on their unselfish ball movement, creating open shots for their teammates, often leading to efficient scoring from beyond the arc and in the paint.
Keys to the Game
Control the Tempo and Limit Turnovers: Princeton thrives in a controlled, methodical offense, relying on smart ball movement and efficient shooting. Furman’s best chance at disrupting this rhythm is to control the tempo, push the pace when possible, and avoid turnovers that fuel Princeton’s transition game. Furman must keep the game at their preferred speed and prevent Princeton from getting easy transition points.
Defend Without Fouling: Princeton’s offense is highly disciplined, and they excel at drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line or to create open looks. Keeping them off the free-throw line and limiting Princeton’s ability to get into their half-court sets will be crucial.
Rebounding Battle: Princeton’s size and physicality on the glass can be a challenge, a spot Furman has struggled in recently. Furman needs to match the Tigers’ intensity on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, where they can generate extra scoring opportunities through offensive rebounds.
Consistent Bench Play: Furman’s depth will be a factor in this game. Players like Tom House, Charles Johnston, and Eddrin Bronson need to provide solid minutes off the bench, contributing both offensively and defensively. Whether it’s providing scoring bursts or offering defensive stability, Furman’s bench must step up to support the starters and prevent Princeton from running away with the game.
By executing these keys, Furman can compete with Princeton and put themselves in a strong position to pull off a big win.