The national spotlight returns to Timmons Arena this afternoon as the Furman Paladins host the UNCG Spartans on ESPN2. This This Sunday matchup is a chance for Furman to prove they can slam the door shut after a frustrating week in the mountains.
Furman (16-8, 7-4 SoCon) is looking to get the engine restarted following a gut-wrenching 75-71 overtime loss at East Tennessee State on Wednesday. The Paladins controlled the vast majority of that game, leading by 12 at the half, but saw the lead evaporate late—a recurring theme that Coach Bob Richey is undoubtedly hammering home in practice. Meanwhile, UNCG (9-15, 5-6 SoCon) arrives with a bit of momentum after a 81-78 win over Western Carolina, fueled by a physical, whistle-heavy performance from their star forward.
The last time these two met in late January, the Paladins dismantled the Spartans 89-66 in Greensboro. UNCG will be desperate to avoid a season sweep, while Furman needs this win to stay within striking distance of the top of the SoCon standings.
The Personnel: Healing at the Right Time
The biggest positive for the Paladins right now is the medical report. The rotation is finally looking like its old self.
Cooper Bowser is Back. His return is a massive boost for the interior. In his first full game back against ETSU, Bowser looked sharp, dropping 18 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Having his 6-foot-11 frame back in the starting lineup changes the defensive geometry for Furman and takes a huge load off Charles Johnston.
Asa Thomas is reportedly back. He will likely have limited minutes, but is a huge bump for the shot making when Furman tends to go cold.
Wilkins NEEDS to protect the ball. Wilkins continues to lead the charge, scoring 19 in the loss to ETSU. He is the focal point of the scouting report, and his ability to navigate the Spartans’ physical perimeter defense will be key today. While he is able to score in all facets of the game, turnovers need to be reduced.
The Spartans Scouting Report
Under fifth-year head coach Mike Jones, UNCG plays a rugged style that aims to turn every game into a scrap.
Justin Neely. If you want to beat the Spartans, you have to find a way to stop Neely without fouling him. He is coming off a staggering performance against Western Carolina where he went 19-of-21 from the free-throw line on his way to 25 points and 11 rebounds.
KJ Younger. A secondary scoring threat averaging 14.5 PPG. Younger is a versatile guard who can score in bunches if the defense over-rotates to help on Neely.
Donald Whitehead Jr. The veteran guard (11.3 PPG) provides the steady hand for the Spartans’ backcourt. He is a savvy playmaker who won’t be rattled by Furman’s pressure.
Holding the Lead
The elephant in the room for Furman is the second-half execution. In recent games, most notably against ETSU, the Paladins have built substantial leads only to play a close game in the final ten minutes. When opposing teams start their inevitable runs, Furman has struggled with late-game poise and shot selection.
Today is a test of maturity. Against a UNCG team that excels at drawing fouls and slowing the game down, the Paladins must maintain their offensive pace without rushing and, most importantly, defend without fouling.
Keys to the Game
1. Win the Free Throw Battle UNCG lives at the charity stripe. If Furman allows Justin Neely to shoot 15+ free throws, they are playing into the Spartans’ hands. Johnston and Bowser must be disciplined with their verticality in the paint.
2. Dictate the Tempo In the 89-66 win earlier this year, Furman forced UNCG to play faster than they wanted to. The Paladins need to use their depth and returning health to keep the pressure on for the full 40 minutes, preventing Mike Jones’ squad from setting up their half-court defense.
3. Secondary Scoring We know Wilkins will get his points. To prevent another late-game stall, Furman needs efficiency. House and Bowser provide to translate into consistent buckets in the second half.
The Outlook
Furman is the more talented, more efficient team, especially with Bowser back in the fold. If they can replicate the defensive energy that led to the blowout in Greensboro and show the composure to finish strong, they should walk out of Timmons with a victory.
If you’d like to help Furman Hoops Insider continue to grow, pledge a subscription or use the button below for a one-time gift: