These two teams meet again for the Southern Championship Game. Chattanooga came away with the win and NCAA berth last season. It’s got to be stinging Furman coach Bob Richey and the eight returning players, including three starters. It seemingly helped to motivate them during the regular season (26-7). Chattanooga has a new coach and lost four starters from the 27-8 2022 squad. Furman beat the Mocs by eight and 21 this season, but this is the one that counts. Furman gets the win and the cover.

The past five meetings have gone Under, so let's make it a half-dozen. The regular season clashes wound up with 156 and 137 points. Furman's Southern Conference games have averaged 151 and UT-Chattanooga's 147. Both are high numbers, but win-or-go-home conference finals often see slight scoring dips. Furman's win with 164 points scored in the semis is misleading; the game went into overtime.

Furman gets the ultimate redemption shot tonight as they face Chattanooga. Last season the Mocs won in overtime on a last second 3-pointer. Furman has not played its best basketball to close out the season, but look for yesterday’s scare against Western Carolina to revive the Paladins. Seniors Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawsen will get the necessary help to get by a feisty Mocs squad. Lay the points with Furman.