Men’s Basketball Faces Chromatic Rival in Saturday Clash
Western Carolina men’s basketball team is set to begin an important three-game road stretch in Southern Conference play. Their first challenge comes against rival Furman on Saturday, January 3, at Timmons Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off and will be available for streaming on ESPN+, with live audio coverage through the Catamount Sports Network.
Matchup Overview
This matchup features Western Carolina (4-8, 0-1) against Furman (10-4, 1-0). The Catamounts aim to turn their season around as they face a formidable opponent.
Current Performance of Western Carolina
- Last played against Wofford, losing a close game 79-74.
- In their recent seven games, Western Carolina averaged 79.4 points, improving their overall scoring average from 71.7 to 77.
- Cord Stansberry led the team with 20 points in their last outing.
- Abdulai Fanta Kabba is the leading rebounder, averaging 7.4 boards per game.
Furman’s Strong Season
- Furman is currently on a six-game winning streak.
- Advanced to a 10-4 record after a close 74-72 win over Mercer.
- Freshman Alex Wilkins is the leading scorer for Furman, averaging 17.0 points per game.
Key Statistics and Historical Context
The historical context of this rivalry is significant. The two teams have met 89 times, with Furman holding a 58-31 advantage in the series. The Paladins have dominated recent meetings, winning six out of the last seven, and have a strong record at home, boasting a 33-9 advantage in Greenville.
Looking Ahead
Following the clash with Furman, Western Carolina will continue its road trip, facing Samford in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 7. The Catamounts are eager to secure their first true road win against Furman since their last victory on December 5, 2009, when they won 64-57 at Timmons Arena.
Fans can follow the Catamounts’ progress through various social media platforms and stay updated with live stats available at CatamountSports.com.
