Greenville, S.C. – Redshirt-sophomore
Asa Thomas, making his first collegiate start, posted career highs with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists to power Furman to a 79-44 victory over Ohio Christian in non-conference men's basketball action on Wednesday night at Timmons Arena.
The Lake Forest, Ill., product and Clemson transfer connected on 9-of-16 shots, including 4-of-11 behind the arc, to pace three Paladins in double figures. Senior
Charles Johnston scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to record his fourth double-double in five games while freshman
Alex Wilkins scored 10 points to reach double figures for the fifth time this season. Junior
Cooper Bowser added eight points, eight rebounds, and a team-high four assists.
Furman missed its first 13 shots behind the arc before Wilkins and
Tom House connected on triples in the final 3:12 of the first half to send the Paladins into the locker room with a 32-23 lead. After Ohio Christian connected on a three to open the second half, Furman hit six of its first seven second-half shots, including 5-of-6 from three-point range to fashion a 22-3 run to open a 54-29 lead. The Paladins held the Trailblazers without a point for a stretch of over seven minutes to pull away.
For the game, Furman connected on 52.5% of its field goal attempts and compiled a 53-23 rebounding advantage that was highlighted by 19 offensive rebounds, which led to a 19-2 margin in second-chance points. The Paladins also outscored Ohio Christian 46-12 in the paint.
Parker Penrod hit three triples to lead the Trailblazers with 13 points. Ohio Christian (5-1) shot just 29.6% from the floor and made only 5-of-11 free throw attempts.
The Paladins (2-3) are back in action on Sunday when they host the Queens Royals as part of a men's and women's doubleheader at Timmons Arena. The Furman women's team entertains Clemson at 2 p.m. before the men host Queens at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at
FurmanPaladins.com.
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