With only three games left to determine the Southern Conference final rankings, the Paladins pulled off a critical victory against VMI to bring their ranking in the Southern Conference to fifth and conference record to 9-7. Furman demonstrated a strong offensive performance, making 47.2 percent of their field goals and 36.4 percent of their three-pointers.
Furman only led by three points at the half, but they achieved a lead of thirteen points by the 7:29 minute mark of the second half thanks to a huge three-point shot by senior guard PJay Smith Jr., assisted by redshirt freshman guard Eddrin Bronson. A surge of baskets by both teams led to a tight final minute, but successful free throws by Smith, graduate guard Nick Anderson and Bronson protected Furman’s lead through the end of the game, which concluded 75-71.
Anderson was the highest scoring player of the game, pouring in 22 points. Smith added 17 points and eight rebounds, while junior forward Ben Vanderwal achieved six rebounds, four assists and nine points as the third-highest scorer.
The victory against VMI improved Furman’s overall record to 21-8 for the season. The Paladins will face the Citadel Bulldogs for the penultimate game of the season at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.