News Summary
In a thrilling display at Hayes Gymnasium, the Furman University women’s basketball team achieved an impressive 82-73 victory over Western Carolina. Grad guard Tate Walters led Furman with a career-high 30 points, bolstered by key performances from teammates Sydney Ryan and Raina McGowens. Furman’s commanding defense and strategic offense allowed them to maintain a decisive lead throughout the game, marking their 15th consecutive victory over Western Carolina. As they improve to 11-7 overall and 1-1 in Southern Conference play, the Paladins are set to host UNC Greensboro for their next matchup.
Furman University Shines Bright with 82-73 Win Over Western Carolina
In a thrilling encounter at Hayes Gymnasium, located at North Greenville University, the Furman University women’s basketball team showcased their skill and determination with an 82-73 victory over Western Carolina on Thursday evening. This match was a nail-biter and a must-see for fans of Southern Conference basketball.
Tate Walters Steals the Show
Leading the charge for Furman was graduate guard Tate Walters, who had a night to remember, scoring a career-high 30 points. The talented player displayed an impressive shooting performance, finishing the game with 10-of-17 from the field and sinking 4-of-8 three-pointers. Walters didn’t stop there; she also netted six free throws, played a whopping 35 minutes, and contributed in many areas, posting eight assists, eight rebounds, and three steals. This stellar performance not only led her team to victory but also marked a personal milestone as she moved into third place on Furman’s all-time assists leaderboard with 406 assists.
Team Effort Leads to Success
While Walters stole the spotlight, she wasn’t alone in the efforts. Sydney Ryan made significant contributions with a double-double, tallying 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan was particularly hot in the third quarter, where she scored 13 of her 22 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including three 3-pointers that helped solidify Furman’s commanding lead. Additionally, freshman Raina McGowens shone brightly, recording a season-high 13 points.
A Strong Start and Dominant Defense
From the get-go, Furman established their dominance, quickly jumping to an 11-2 lead within just three minutes of the game. As the clock ticked down, their defense shone through as they held Western Carolina to just 3-of-15 shooting in the first quarter. Curiously, Western Carolina struggled to find their rhythm, missing their first 13 attempts from beyond the arc, finally sinking their first three-pointer just before halftime. By then, Furman had already established a healthy lead, heading into halftime with a score of 33-21.
Keeping the Momentum
Furman maintained their strong hold throughout the second half. At one point, they held a commanding lead of 23 points in the third quarter, showcasing their team spirit and offensive capability, notably pouring in 31 points in that quarter alone. Meanwhile, Western Carolina’s Jada Burton made efforts to close the gap, bringing the score to 66-57 with a layup late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Furman Looking Ahead
With this win, Furman advances their overall record to 11-7 and improves to 1-1 in the Southern Conference, marking their 15th consecutive victory over Western Carolina, who now holds an overall record of 11-7 and 1-2 in SoCon play. As for Western Carolina, Chelsea Wooten was the standout player for them, leading with 20 points, while Jada Burton added 17 points to her name. Despite both teams shooting over 42 percent from the field, it was Furman’s strong performance from beyond the arc that truly set them apart.
Looking ahead, Furman is gearing up to host UNC Greensboro for their next matchup on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville. If this game was any indication, fans can expect another exciting showdown as the Paladins continue their journey through the conference season.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Walters’ Career-High 30 Points Power Furman Past Western Carolina
- WSPA: Furman Blows Past Western Carolina
- Catamount Sports: Catamounts Face Furman in First Road SoCon Matchup of 2025
- Tryon Daily Bulletin: How to Watch Furman vs Western Carolina Women’s Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Furman University
