Furman had an opportunity to be the next Cinderella team in the NCAA Tournament after taking down No. 4 Virginia on Thursday. However, that dream came to a quick end with their 75-52 loss to San Diego State on Saturday.
It was the Paladins’ first tournament appearance since 1980 under head coach Eddie Holbrook. That season earned a No. 10 seed after finishing 16-5 in the regular season and winning the Southern Conference tournament. Furman was eliminated by Tennessee in the first round, 80-69.
Furman continued Virginia’s run of futility with another first-round exit. They were led this season by a pair of seniors, guard Mike Bothwell and forward Jalen Slawson.
San Diego State on the other hand moves on to the Sweet 16 as they await the winner of the Alabama and Maryland matchup. The Aztecs hadn’t reached the second of March Madness since 2015 when they were knocked off by Duke, 68-49.
As for Furman, they can walk away from the 2023 NCAA men’s tournament with their heads held high. The Paladins won a tournament game for the first time since 1974.
Head coach Bob Richey will have some work to do as he is tasked with replacing his senior leaders next season.
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