In an exciting Southern Conference matchup, Chattanooga emerged victorious with a decisive 85-72 victory over Furman on Saturday night. Garrison Keeslar played a pivotal role in securing the win for the Mocs, showcasing exceptional shooting skills by earning 15 points.
Keeslar's performance was marked by his impressive accuracy; he made five out of eight attempts, and notably, he was perfect from beyond the arc, sinking all three of his three-point shots. This precision from Keeslar set the pace for the Mocs, contributing significantly to their offensive strategy.
Supporting Keeslar, Frank Champion delivered a commendable performance, netting 14 points. Champion also exerted a considerable defensive and facilitating influence, as demonstrated by his seven rebounds and six assists. His work on the free-throw line, where he converted four of his six attempts, further cemented Chattanooga's stronghold in the game.
Trey Bonham supplemented the team's efforts with 14 points, shooting an efficient 60% from the field. His balanced contribution in both scoring and playmaking provided Chattanooga with the momentum they needed to maintain their lead against Furman.
Despite Furman's loss, they displayed resilience, largely powered by Pjay Smith Jr.'s outstanding performance. Smith Jr. not only led the Paladins in scoring with 22 points but also recorded seven rebounds and nine assists, underlining his all-around capabilities on both ends of the court.
Furman's defensive game was highlighted by Cooper Bowser, who scored 14 points and was a towering presence under the basket with seven rebounds and four blocks. Nick Anderson supported the team's offensive efforts, adding 11 points to the scoreboard.
Looking ahead, Chattanooga is set to face Samford, while Furman will take on Mercer at home on Wednesday. This upcoming round of matches offers both teams an opportunity to further their positioning in the Southern Conference standings, underscoring the competitive dynamics of this season.
This victory is pivotal for Chattanooga as they continue to solidify their place in the upper echelons of the league, exhibiting cohesion and strategic prowess on the basketball court. As the season progresses, performances like these will be crucial for both teams in shaping their playoff prospects.