In an electrifying Southern Conference Tournament championship game in Asheville, North Carolina, Wofford emerged victorious against Furman, clinching a 92-85 win marked by a remarkable late-game comeback. Jackson Sivills was instrumental in leading this charge, scoring a career-best 20 points, including a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer, which was pivotal during Wofford’s game-ending 15-2 run. As a result, Wofford will head to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time, celebrating another impressive achievement in their storied history.
The Terriers found themselves trailing 83-79 with just over two minutes remaining on the clock. However, they stepped up under pressure as Kyler Filewich contributed a significant layup, and Sivills’s 3-pointer shortly after ensured Wofford moved ahead decisively. Sivills, a seasoned fifth-year senior, was efficient on the court, achieving 6 out of 9 successful shots and netting four 3-pointers for Wofford, securing their triumphant path to the championship.
Alongside Sivills’s impressive performance, Justin Bailey scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and collaborated with Dillon Bailey, who added 15 points, to score 7 out of 12 from beyond the arc. Kyler Filewich bolstered the team’s efforts with 13 points and six rebounds, while Corey Tripp contributed 11 points, eight assists, and six boards.
In opposition, the Furman Paladins, who ended their season at 25-9, saw Pjay Smith Jr. lead their team with 27 points, showcasing flawless shooting from the free-throw line with 11 successful attempts. Fellow teammates Nick Anderson scored 15 points, and Garrett Hien and Charles Johnston posted 13 and 12 points respectively, despite both fouling out. Cooper Bowser added another 11 points to Furman’s effort.
Initially, Wofford seized an early advantage, scoring the first eight points, but Furman’s resilience shone as they moved ahead at halftime. Johnston’s timely 3-pointer secured a 37-35 lead going into the break. Smith displayed an exceptional performance in the first half, leading all scorers with 12 points without missing a shot, whereas Sivills contributed notably with three 3-pointers and 11 points.
Furman aimed for their eighth tournament title, the first since the 2022-23 season, having secured six of their previous victories during the 1970s. However, they met strong resistance from a determined Wofford side, which proudly claimed the championship, highlighting their dominance in the Southern Conference.
