Greenville, S.C. – The Furman men's basketball team will take part in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon for the second straight year when it tips off the 2026-27 season against defending SWAC regular season champion Bethune-Cookman on Monday, November 2, in Rock Hill, S.C.
The Paladins and Wildcats cap the eight-game event, which takes place across two locations, with an 8 p.m. tip-off at the Rock Hill Sport and Event Center. Six games in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon will take place in Rock Hill with two scheduled for the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Furman is coming off a 22-13 season, SoCon Tournament championship, and its second NCAA Tournament appearance in four seasons. The Paladins scored an 86-81 win over Samford and 81-75 victory against UNC Greensboro before topping ETSU 76-61 in its fourth SoCon finals appearance in the last five years.
Bethune-Cookman posted a 17-15 overall record and 14-4 mark to claim the SWAC regular season crown last season. The season opener will be the first meeting between the Paladins and Wildcats since Furman claimed a 64-49 decision in the Furman Holiday Classic at Timmons Arena on December 29, 2003. Furman holds a 2-1 lead in three previous meetings between the schools.
Fans can follow all eight games from the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon on the Field of 68's social media channels on X and You Tube.
Click here for ticket information.
2026 Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon
Time Matchup Location
12:00 a.m. High Point vs. Liberty Rock Hill
3:00 a.m. Grambling vs. Northern Illinois Rock Hill
6:00 a.m. Appalachian St. vs. Merrimack Rock Hill
9:00 a.m. Winthrop vs. Queens Rock Hill
11:30 a.m. Murray St. vs. Tennessee St. Sioux Falls
2:00 p.m. UTEP vs. Northern Kentucky Sioux Falls
5:30 p.m. UAB vs. McNeese St. Rock Hill
8:00 p.m. Furman vs. Bethune-Cookman Rock Hill
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