Furman Men’s Basketball (4-4) went to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, Fl. to play in the Imagination Bracket of the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational.
Furman played in two games. Their first was a thrilling 73-72 victory over the University of Richmond, which advanced them to the Imagination Bracket’s championship game, where they fell 72-65 to Illinois State University.
Game 1 — Vs. Richmond
In the first half of the game, Furman forced 11 turnovers and went 6-of-11 from beyond the three-point line. The Paladins led 43-38 at the end of the half.
In the second half, Richmond rallied. Furman had led by as much as 13, but Richmond got the game back within one possession, trailing 73-65 with less than three minutes left to play.
Richmond scored five unanswered points. After a Furman turnover, the Spiders capitalized with a tip-in layup. Furman held a narrow 73-72 lead with 1:13 left to go.
Richmond had opportunities to take the lead after two Furman turnovers, but they could not capitalize. Redshirt sophomore Asa Thomas brought down the victory-sealing rebound as Furman survived the Richmond rally, winning 73-72.
Freshman guard Alex Wilkins had a career-high 26 points and went 10-of-19 from the field. Thomas contributed 20 points, including five three-pointers.
The Dins shot 52% from the field for the game. They advanced to the championship game of the Imagination Bracket, where they faced Illinois State.
Game 2 — Vs. Illinois State
Against Illinois State, Furman led 36-33 going into the second half.
The Redbirds tied the game up at 52-52 with under 10 minutes to go in the game. Illinois State then went on an 8-point scoring run to take a 60-52 lead.
Furman was held to only 29 points in the second half, committing 13 turnovers in the contest.
With 1:17 left in the game, Furman trailed by seven points before Thomas hit a three-pointer. Illinois State’s junior guard Ty Pence then went 1-of-2 at the free throw line. Wilkins scored to cut into the Redbirds lead, 68-65 with 39 seconds left in the game.
Then, Illinois State scored again and sank two free throws to win the game 72-68.
Wilkins led The Paladins with 25 points, his fourth 20-point game of the season. Freshman guard Collin O’Neal and junior forward Cooper Bowsers each added 12 points.
The Paladins will next compete on Dec. 3, traveling to face Elon University. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m., and the game can be streamed on Flo College Sports.
