Furman Wins SoCon, Earns NCAA Tournament Bid

Paladins punch ticket to Big Dance for first time since 2023

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Furman Paladins defeated East Tennessee State 76-61 in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game, earning an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Cooper Bowser recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead Furman, which shot 51% from the field and hit 6 three-pointers in the first half to build a 42-35 halftime lead. The Paladins maintained a double-digit advantage for much of the second half to secure their eighth SoCon tournament title and first since 2023.

Why it matters

Furman's victory marks the program's return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years, providing a boost of excitement and national exposure for the small private university in Greenville, South Carolina. The Paladins' last tournament appearance in 2023 was their first since 1980, so this latest bid is another milestone in the team's resurgence under head coach Bob Richey.

The details

Furman jumped out to a strong start, building a 10-point lead late in the first half after Tom House drilled a three-pointer. The Paladins maintained that momentum in the second half, never letting East Tennessee State get closer than 8 points down the stretch. Cooper Bowser led the way with a double-double, while Alex Wilkins added 12 points after scoring a career-high 34 in the semifinal win. ETSU struggled from three-point range, hitting just 3-of-16 attempts.

  • Furman won the Southern Conference Tournament championship on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • Furman's last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2023.

The players

Cooper Bowser

Furman forward who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the SoCon championship game.

Tom House

Furman guard who hit a key three-pointer late in the first half to help the Paladins build their lead.

Alex Wilkins

Furman guard who scored 12 points in the championship game after pouring in a career-high 34 in the semifinal.

Brian Taylor II

East Tennessee State guard who scored 16 points, including 14 in the second half.

Bob Richey

Furman's head coach who has led the program's resurgence, including its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Furman will await its NCAA Tournament seeding and first-round opponent when the bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday.

The takeaway

Furman's return to the NCAA Tournament represents a significant milestone for the small private university, which has worked to rebuild its basketball program into a Southern Conference power over the past several years. The Paladins' victory over top-seeded East Tennessee State showcases their ability to win on the big stage and compete with the best teams in the country.