Furman (13-6, 4-2 SoCon) is looking to bounce back after a tough 74-70 loss to Wofford on Saturday. Despite leading by double digits in the second half of that contest, the Paladins couldn’t hold off a late Terrier rally. Tonight presents a vital opportunity to stay in the hunt for the top of the conference standings against a surging Bulldogs squad.
The Citadel (5-14, 2-4 SoCon) enters this game with momentum after a convincing 82-68 road win over VMI on Saturday night. The Bulldogs controlled the pace in Lexington, shooting 45% from deep and leading by as many as 18 points. Ed Conroy’s team is notoriously difficult to beat at home for the Dins, and they will be eager to secure a signature win against their rivals from Greenville.
The Bulldogs Scouting Report
The Citadel’s offense has found its rhythm through a mix of veteran presence and efficient interior play.
Braxton Williams. The senior forward is the focal point of the Bulldog attack, averaging 13.3 PPG. He was dominant against VMI, dropping a game-high 22 points while going 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing bigs.
Christian Moore. Averaging 10.8 PPG, Moore provides the secondary scoring punch the Bulldogs need. He is a versatile forward who can score in the paint or step out for the three.
Marcos Gonzales. The freshman guard was a key factor in the victory over VMI, scoring 12 points off the bench. His emergence gives the Bulldogs a reliable scoring option when the starters need a breather.
Paladins Getting Healthy?
While Furman has been extremely shorthanded recently, tonight marks a potential turning point for the rotation.
The Return of Tom House. All signs point to the return of senior guard Tom House tonight. His presence on the wing is essential for spacing the floor and opening up driving lanes for the guards.
Working Back In. In addition to House, the Paladins are hoping to see Cooper Bowser and Collin O’Neal increase their involvement. Bowser has been a massive interior presence when healthy, averaging 13.4 PPG and 6.3 RPG, while O’Neal provides valuable depth in the backcourt and could get gamete tonight. Safely getting these pieces back into the flow of the offense is priority number one for Bob Richey.
THE Alex Wilkins. The freshman standout continues to carry the scoring load, averaging 17.6 PPG. Even in the loss to Wofford, Wilkins put up 19 points and remains the most dangerous offensive threat on the floor.
Charles Johnston. Johnston is the backbone of Furman’s rebounding effort, leading the team with 9.5 RPG to go along with 10.2 PPG. He looks to bring that energy into Charleston tonight against Braxton Williams and Sola Adebisi.
Keys to the Game
1. Managing the Return of Depth With House returning and other players working their way back, Furman must manage their substitutions and chemistry carefully. Re-establishing the rhythm of the offense while integrating returning players is a delicate balance that could define the first ten minutes of the game.
2. Defending the Perimeter The Citadel shot 45% against VMI. Furman’s defense must run the Bulldog shooters off the line. The Bulldogs cannot be allowed to get into a rhythm from three early in the game.
3. Dominating the Glass Charles Johnston and a healthy Cooper Bowser provide Furman with a significant advantage in the paint. The Paladins need to capitalize on second-chance points and limit The Citadel to single possessions to neutralize the (often rowdy) home crowd energy.
The Forecast
This is a classic trap game for the Paladins if they aren’t focused. The Citadel is playing with confidence after their big win in Lexington, but a healthier Furman roster is top tier in the SoCon. If Tom House provides the expected shooting spark and the Paladins can control the glass, they should find themselves back in the win column.
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