Dec. 30, 2005
Box Score
Greenville, S.C. -- Eric Webb scored 23 points to help Furman overcome a second half deficit and down South Carolina State 75-64 to claim the Jack In The Box Holiday Classic title Friday evening in front of a crowd of 1,411 at Timmons Arena.
Webb, who also totaled five assists and connected on 7-of-11 shots from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, earned tournament most valuable player honors.
The game bounced back and fourth for the first 16 minutes of the second half with neither team able to build more than a four point advantage. With the game tied 64-64 and under four minutes remaining, George Brozos drained a three-pointer and Eric Webb converted a driving layup to open up a 69-64 lead. Bostain put back a missed shot and Carter and Bostain closed the game with four straight free throws for the final 75-64 margin.
"I thought tonight we played with more poise than at anytime this season," said Furman head coach Larry Davis. "We were able to play that way on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court and, as a result, we were able to win a close game."
Facing a 22-19 deficit with 7:23 left in the first half, the Paladins held the Bulldogs scoreless over the next 6:12 while building a 32-22 lead with a 13-0 run. Webb keyed the run with two three-pointers and Moussa Diagne, Robby Bostain and Tony Carter each added a basket. South Carolina State (3-7) answered the Furman run with a 7-0 run to end the half at 32-29.
Carter added 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Bostain chipped in 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Brozos helped key Furman's second half rally with two three-pointers and Stanley Jones contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
The Paladins shot 47.9% (23-48) from the floor and sunk 13-of-27 shots from beyond the arc while making 16-of-18 free throws in the victory.
Brian Mason, who registered a double-double on Thursday night against Marshall, scored 17 points to lead South Carolina State. Chris Miller-Williams joined Mason in double figures with 12 points. The Bulldogs shot 41.8% (23-55) from the field, but made just one second half three-pointer and shot just 14.3% from three-point range in the half.
Mark Patton scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to pace Marshall (5-5) to a 77-74 victory over Kennesaw State in the consolation game earlier in the evening. Markel Humphrey also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards for the Thundering Herd. Junior Golden Ingle scored 18 points to lead Kennesaw State (4-7) in the loss.
Furman (6-5) returns to action Tuesday night when it opens Southern Conference play at home against the Chattanooga Mocs in Timmons Arena at 7:00.
Jack In The Box Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team
Robby Bostain, Furman
Thurman Zimmerman, S.C. State
Brian Mason, S.C. State
Mark Patton, Marshall
Golden Ingle, Kennesaw State
MVP- Eric Webb, Furman
