Furman Faces UConn as 2026 NCAA Tournament Kicks Off
Furman celebrated Selection Sunday with coach Bob Richey addressing fans at a watch party. He vowed the team would take its next steps toward the Big Dance.
Seed, date and broadcast
The Paladins learned their first-round opponent on March 15. Furman drew the No. 15 seed in the East Region and will meet No. 2 Connecticut on March 20 at 10 p.m. on TBS.
March Madness context
This berth is the eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. It is also Furman’s first trip back since their 2023 run.
Southern Conference title run
Furman earned the automatic bid by winning the Southern Conference tournament. They entered that event as the No. 6 seed.
The Paladins upset top-seeded East Tennessee State, 76-61, in the SoCon final on March 9. Their perimeter shooting and interior play decided the game.
Key contributors in the final
- Furman made 10 of 26 three-pointers in the championship game.
- Asa Thomas, Alex Wilkins, Charles Johnston and Tom House each hit two threes.
- Forward Cooper Bowser posted 21 points and 11 rebounds. It was his first double-double of the season.
Looking ahead to UConn
As the 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off, Furman will meet UConn in the East bracket. The Paladins will try to engineer another upset against a high seed.
The program has recent upset pedigree. In 2023, Furman toppled No. 4 Virginia, highlighted by a late three-pointer from JP Pegues.
Coverage and analysis
Fans can watch the matchup on TBS at the scheduled start time. Filmogaz.com will provide updates, analysis and reaction throughout the tournament.
