Furman secured a 78‑73 win over Samford on a nationally televised Thursday night, preserving a first‑half lead and snapping Samford’s late comeback attempt. Senior guard Zeke Nnaji led the Paladins with 22 points and six assists, while Samford’s Jadin Booth tallied 28 points. The victory improves Furman’s conference standing and highlights its defensive resilience.
Game Overview
The matchup featured intense defensive play, multiple lead changes, and a decisive third‑quarter run that shifted momentum to Furman. After Samford built a 12‑point advantage early, Furman trimmed the gap before halftime and seized control in the second half, ultimately out‑scoring the Bulldogs in the closing minutes.
Key Performances
Furman Highlights
- Zeke Nnaji – 22 points, 6 assists, including a clutch three‑pointer in the final minutes.
- Elijah “EJ” Jones – 12 points, 8 rebounds; key interior presence and a dunk that sparked a 10‑2 run.
- Malik “Mack” Turner – 4 steals, 2 blocks; defensive catalyst for the second‑half surge.
- Caleb “C.J.” Hayes – 10 points off the bench, providing vital energy.
- Tyler “Ty” McCormick – 18‑of‑22 free throws, sealing the win in the final stretch.
Samford Highlights
- Jadin Booth – 28 points (18 in the second half), leading the Bulldogs’ scoring attack.
- Jalen McCoy – 7 rebounds, strong second‑chance effort.
- Aaron Reed – 5 assists, facilitating ball movement.
Statistical Snapshot
- Final Score: Furman 78, Samford 73
- Field Goal Percentage: Both teams shot around 45%
- Free Throws: Furman 18‑of‑22, Samford 12‑of‑15
- Turnovers Forced: Furman 12, Samford 8
- Rebounds: Furman 8 (EJ Jones), Samford 7 (Jalen McCoy)
Impact on SoCon Standings
The victory moves Furman to a 7‑4 overall record and 4‑2 in conference play, strengthening its position for a top‑three seed and a double‑bye in the upcoming tournament. Samford falls to 6‑5 overall and 3‑3 in the SoCon, leaving the Bulldogs on the bubble of the upper tier and highlighting areas for improvement.
Future Outlook
Furman travels next to face UNC Greensboro, where maintaining defensive intensity and improving offensive flow will be crucial. Samford returns home to challenge Wofford, needing to tighten perimeter defense and reduce turnovers to rebound from the narrow loss.
