CLINTON, S.C. -- Sophomore Stephen Croone poured in 24 points, reaching double-digits for the eighth-straight game, and tied his career high with nine rebounds to lead the Furman men's basketball team past Presbyterian, 74-59, Saturday at the Templeton Center in Clinton, S.C. 

Croone, who recorded a season-high seven assists on the night, drained ten of 14 field goals and was four for five from the free throw line to help the Paladins to a 54 percent field goal percentage, including a 65.2 second-half percentage.  Sophomore Larry Wideman tied a career high with five three-pointers, registering 21 total points for Furman, while freshman William Gates, Jr., added 12 points.  

Down by ten, 44-34, with 14:20 left in the second half, the Paladins went on a 6-0 run over the next two minutes to come within four points of the Blue Hose, before consecutive three-pointers by Gates and Wideman at the eight-minute mark gave Furman a 51-50 advantage, the Paladins' first lead since the first two minutes of the game.  

After a layup by Presbyterian's Jordan Downing put the Blue Hose back on top by one, 52-51, with seven minutes remaining, Furman put together an 18-2 run over the next six minutes to take control of the game.  A three-pointer by Keith Belfield, followed by two free throws by Kendrec Ferrara, ignited a 10-0 run by the Paladins over the span.

Presbyterian (3-8) was led by Downing, who recorded 21 points, while junior William Truss registered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.  Junior Danny Herrera added 12 points, while freshman Reggie Dillard paced the Blue Hose with nine assists.

Furman (4-4) returns home to face Mars Hill Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Timmons Arena.