Men’s Basketball will postpone two of their key Southern Conference matchups this week, Furman Athletics announced Monday morning. Monday night’s game against UNC Greensboro was postponed due to COVID-19 exposure and quarantine measures within the Furman program, while Saturday’s game was postponed by Chattanooga for the same issues. The ‘Dins will go on the road to Samford Feb. 3, if they remain healthy, before returning home to face Southern Conference rival, Wofford three days later. 

It is unknown how many players or coaches have been exposed to the virus, but Furman is not the only team experiencing new or increased case numbers after the return of students to campus. Samford caused the suspension of four games last week, and Furman’s interactions with ETSU have postponed this week’s games in Greenville and Johnson City. 

On the rest of the season, the Paladins had a promising 4-0 start in Southern Conference play, but dropped two consecutive road games. In Lexington, VMI secured a last second win to break their 10-game losing streak against Furman. After a last-minute lead change in favor of the Keydets, Senior Alex Hunter drained three to match VMI with under a minute remaining. He repeated the rescue attempt with nine seconds remaining, making all free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. VMI drew a foul and to go up by one and Jalen Slawson’s half-court attempt failed, leaving the ‘Dins with a 74-73 loss. 

Trouble seemed to follow Bob Richey’s squad to Johnson City where Furman fought for a win over ETSU, only to fall short 71-62. ETSU kept Furman scoreless for more than nine minutes early in the second half, and kept the ‘Dins at a disadvantage for the remainder of the game. The Buccaneers successfully split the season series against Furman and move into second only a half-game behind Wofford in league standings. 

Rest and practice for healthy players may prove to be beneficial for the Paladins before they face off at home against rival Wofford. The ‘Dins first game against Wofford was set to be a premier game of the season at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, but high COVID-19 case numbers in Greenville and the Upstate forced the game home to Furman’s campus. As an NCAA hopeful for the first time since 1980, the Paladins must defend their 19-game winning streak in Timmons Arena to remain competitive in the race for a bid.