1/29/25 | Samford at Furman | 6:00 PM | CBSSN
Let me tell you a story. Around this time last year, the Samford Bulldogs rolled into Timmons Arena, riding high on a 17 game win streak and a 6-0 SoCon start. That all ended in Greenville. The Paladins stood up to the test, sending the Bulldogs home with their first of 3 conference losses. This season, Samford will pay a visit to Bon Secours Arena, riding a 7-1 start in the SoCon and a 17-4 overall record.
Furman found its footing in a bumpy game against Mercer, where even a 10 point lead felt dangerous. After a couple missed free throws, Furman escaped when Mercer missed two looks to tie the game. The Paladins out-rebounded Mercer, which has been an issue in Furman’s recent struggles. The defense again struggled a bit, but a huge bench performance from Eddrin Bronson helped stave off the Bears. Coach Richey is still tinkering with the lineups, but Ed has definitely earned his minutes.
It’s too early to say that a game like this in a one bid league is a must win, but it’s pretty close to it. The Dins are already a game behind fifth place, with a trip to ETSU this weekend. This is the best shot to tighten up the seeding race in the friendly confines of Bon Secours. With the way the defense has been playing, Furman absolutely has to shoot well from three to stay in the game.
Coach Richey has tightened up the minutes for Tom House and Charles Johnston, both of whom are capable of double digit scoring. With the shortened bench, the Dins can’t afford an off-night from either Nick Anderson or PJay Smith, and will need a third guy to step up and hit big shots. Creating some early ball movement, and hopefully getting open shots off of the Samford press will be crucial. The offense has had a tendency to bog down in the dribble handoffs, which will only play right into Samford’s hands.
Well the Samford Bulldogs are just as they have been under Bucky McMillan: fast, scrappy, and deep. Jaden Brownell will be the one to lookout for, as he comes off successive 18 point and 20 point outings. The Bulldogs one conference loss came when he shot 3-10 from the field. Foul trouble will mount for the Dins early if they do not play good team defense, which has been a problem recently. Tenacious 5th year guard Rylan Jones leads the league in assists, at 5.8 per game, and will be pesky in the passing lanes on defense. Coach McMillan plays 12 guys consistent minutes, typically without a drop-off. If Brownell is off, guys like Colin Holloway and Riley Allenspach can fill in. All of this is without mentioning the 14 points per game that journeyman guard Trey Fort can offer as well. Furman will certainly be up against the strongest team in the conference on Tuesday. Furman, while inconsistent, has shown in the non-conference that they can compete and beat teams of Samford’s caliber. Let’s hope they show that mettle tomorrow night.
Keys to the Game
Defense: Defense is critical. Samford can and will run, and look to score, they average 84 points per game. Despite Coach Richey focusing on this point, Furman has struggled to defend, allowing over 82 points per game in their losses.
Three point shooting: Furman cannot afford to have an off-night from beyond the arc. They will need Eddrin Bronson or Charlie Johnston to pitch in as well.
Third option: Last game it was Bronson, some days it has been Hein or Johnston. Someone needs to help Nick Anderson and PJay Smith score the basketball.