Box Score ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Sydney Ryan scored 16 points and Furman used a strong third quarter to pull away from South Carolina State for a 60-54, season opening win Monday evening at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Ryan, a junior forward, hit 6-of-9 field goals, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, to lead Furman (1-0), which also got 10 points from graduate guard Tate Walters and freshman guard Raina McGowens.

Ryan ranked fourth in the Southern Conference in 3-point shooting a year ago (.386%), while Walters 10 points matched her scoring average from last season.  McGowens made her collegiate debut after starring as an all-state performer at nearby Wren (S.C.) High School.

The Paladins, forced to play without their top two post players, injured seniors Jada Session and Kate Johnson, got eight points apiece from Hanna Hansson and Tate Walters.  Hansson's start in place of Session was the first of her Paladin career.

South Carolina State's Angie Juste-Jean led all scorers with 23 points.

The win was Furman's sixth straight over the Bulldogs.

A complete game story will be posted once a box score is received from S.C. State.

Furman tips off its home campaign on Thursday when its plays host to Erskine in a 7:00 p.m. contest at North Greenville University's Hayes Gymnasium, which will serve as the primary home court for the Paladins this season while Timmons Arena, the university's primary home court, undergoes a $40 million renovation. 

The Paladins are scheduled to play 10 of their 12 home games in 2024-45 at Hayes Gymnasium, as well as two contests  — UNC Greensboro (Jan.18) and Wofford (Feb. 8) — at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville.

Please note that Thursday's contest versus Erskine will not be live streamed.  Fans are encouraged to attend the game by purchasing tickets at FurmanPaladins.com.  For a schedule of this season's broadcasts please visit the women's basketball schedule page at furmanpaladins.com.