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Free Throws Help Furman Down Western Carolina, 79-67
Jan. 20, 2007
Greenville, S.C. - Furman raced out to an 18-point first half lead and connected on 35-of-38 attempts at the foul line on its way to a 79-67 victory over Western Carolina in Southern Conference men's basketball action Saturday afternoon before 3,112 at Timmons Arena.
With the win, Furman improves to 9-9 overall and 3-4 in the SoCon. The Catamounts fall to 7-11 overall and 4-3 in league play.
After falling behind 5-0 in the opening minutes, Furman reeled off a 35-12 spurt to dominate the first half and build a 35-17 lead with 2:56 remaining in the period. The Paladins shot 51.7% (15-29) from the floor and 9-of-9 from the charity stripe in the first 20 minutes to hold a 41-29 cushion at the break.
Despite a 5-of-23 (21.7%) effort from the field in the final 20 minutes, Furman sunk 26-of-29 free throws to hold off the Catamounts for the 12-point victory. Robby Bostain paced the Paladins with 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 13-of-14 at the foul line. Jadee Jones added 15 of Furman's 34 points off of the bench to join Bostain in double figures.
Freshman Nick Aldridge netted 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead five Catamounts in double figures. Jake Robinson connected on 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc to add 14 points while Antonio Russell, Arnold Gore and Brandon Giles each scored 10 points.
The Catamounts compiled a 39-35 edge in rebounding, but Furman held Western Carolina to a just 34.0% (18-53) from the field, the lowest percentage by a Paladin opponent this season. WCU made 24-of-37 free throws and 7-of-19 treys.
Furman finished the game at 38.5% (20-52) from the floor and just 17.4% (4-23) from three-point range. The Paladins shot 92.1% (35-38) from the foul line. The sixth best single game percentage on school history.
Furman wraps up its three-game homestand Monday when it hosts The Citadel in a 7 p.m. contest at Timmons Arena. Western Carolina entertains Elon at 7 p.m. on Monday
