Furman Wins SoCon, Heads to NCAAs
March Madness is heating up—No. 6 seed Furman just upset top-seeded East Tennessee State 76–61 to win the Southern Conference championship Furman beats East Tennessee State for SoCon title, NCAA berth - ESPN. Cooper Bowser starred with 21 points and 11 rebounds Furman beats East Tennessee State for SoCon title, NCAA berth - ESPN. What seed will Furman get in the tournament?
Furman's SoCon tournament victory marks their 8th appearance in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Their most recent appearance prior to this was in 2023, which ended a 43-year drought since 1980. The Paladins have an all-time NCAA tournament record of 2-8. In 2023, as a No. 13 seed, Furman upset No. 4 seed Virginia in the first round with a score of 68-67. They then fell to San Diego State in the second round. Furman is coached by Bob Richey, who has led the team since 2017. Under Richey, Furman has achieved five 20-win seasons. Other athletic achievements at Furman include an NCAA I-AA National Football Championship in 1988. Furman's women's golf program has also produced numerous LPGA professionals and won the AIAW national championship in 1976.
