East Tennessee State Tops Furman in Key Matchup
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Timmons Arena
East Tennessee State Buccaneers 78, Furman Paladins 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs Furman Paladins?
East Tennessee State Buccaneers beat Furman Paladins 78-69 at Timmons Arena on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs Furman Paladins?
Furman Paladins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at Timmons Arena, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers defeated the Furman Paladins with a final score of 78-69. This victory marked an important moment for the Buccaneers, who improved their record to 21-8, while Furman fell to 17-12. The game was notable not only for the outcome but also for the implications it had for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season.
East Tennessee State entered the game with a solid away record of 4-1 in their last five games, averaging 78.6 points scored and allowing 71.2 points. Their recent form included a mix of wins and a single loss, showcasing their offensive capabilities. In their last ten games, they held a record of 7-3, with a scoring average of 77.6 points per game. The Buccaneers had previously faced Furman just two weeks prior, where they also secured a win with a score of 75-71.
Furman, on the other hand, had a more mixed recent record, going 5-5 in their last ten games, with a home record of 2-2. They averaged 75.3 points scored while allowing 71.6 points during this stretch. The Paladins had been looking to build momentum after their recent win against VMI Keydets, but they struggled to find consistency, particularly against East Tennessee State.
The match began with both teams trading baskets, but East Tennessee State gradually established control. The Buccaneers capitalized on their previous victory over Furman, demonstrating a tactical advantage. Throughout the game, they maintained a lead that Furman could not overcome, despite a late push from the Paladins.
In terms of scoring, the Buccaneers' Brian Taylor II made significant contributions, particularly in the second half, where he was instrumental in extending their lead with free throws. The scoring plays highlighted a series of successful free throws by Taylor and his teammates, which helped solidify their advantage as the game progressed.
Furman’s attempts to rally included strong performances from players like Alex Wilkins and Charles Johnston, but they ultimately fell short. The Paladins' inability to close the gap in the final minutes reflected their struggles throughout the season against East Tennessee State, who now hold a 3-1 advantage in their recent head-to-head matchups.
The betting market had favored Furman slightly, with DraftKings listing them at -1.5, while East Tennessee State was given an underdog line of +1.5. The total points line was set at 140.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as both teams combined for 147 points.
The conditions at Timmons Arena were conducive to a competitive matchup, with a strong turnout from fans supporting both teams. As the season progresses, the implications of this game will be significant for both teams as they prepare for potential postseason play. East Tennessee State's victory not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their standing in the league, while Furman will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FUR -1.5 | 140.5 o -108 / u -112 | East Tennessee State Buccaneers +100 · Furman Paladins -120 |
Leaders
- PointsAlex Wilkins21Furman Paladins
- AssistsAlex Wilkins3Furman Paladins
- ReboundsBen Vander Wal11Furman Paladins
- PointsMilton Matthews III18East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- AssistsJaylen Smith8East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- ReboundsBrian Taylor II8East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Recent form
Furman Paladins
Last 10: 5-5Streak W175.3 scored · 71.6 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W90-72at VMI KeydetsFeb 14
- L64-69at Mercer BearsFeb 12
- L64-67vs UNC Greensboro SpartansFeb 8
- L71-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersFeb 5
- W75-70vs Chattanooga MocsFeb 1
- W78-73vs Samford BulldogsJan 29
- W89-66at UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 23
- L75-77at The Citadel BulldogsJan 22
- L70-74vs Wofford TerriersJan 17
- W77-73at Samford BulldogsJan 15
East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L177.6 scored · 71.4 allowed per game4-1 away
- L72-82vs Samford BulldogsFeb 14
- W73-61vs Chattanooga MocsFeb 12
- W87-70at VMI KeydetsFeb 7
- W75-71vs Furman PaladinsFeb 5
- W86-72at Wofford TerriersFeb 2
- L88-90vs Western Carolina CatamountsJan 30
- W84-55vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 24
- W67-66at Chattanooga MocsJan 22
- W76-75at Samford BulldogsJan 17
- L68-72at Western Carolina CatamountsJan 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | East Tennessee State Buccaneers | Furman Paladins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-58 | 21-60 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 35 |
| Three-pointers | 12-24 | 6-33 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 18 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 21-28 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 26 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 1 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 28 |
| Fouls | 22 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 66 | 22 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-40Isaiah Sutherland makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half40-41Charles Johnston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-42Charles Johnston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-42Cam Morris III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-45Tom House makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eddrin Bronson assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Jaylen Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-45Jaylen Smith makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-45Milton Matthews III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half49-45Brian Taylor II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-47Alex Wilkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-47Milton Matthews III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cam Morris III assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Cam Morris III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half55-48Charles Johnston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-49Charles Johnston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-49Milton Matthews III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half61-49Isaiah Sutherland makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half61-51Cooper Bowser makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half61-53Asa Thomas makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-53Allen Strothers makes layup
- 2nd Half63-55Cooper Bowser makes layup
- 2nd Half65-55Jaylen Smith makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half67-55Jordan McCullum makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half67-57Alex Wilkins makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half69-57Cam Morris III makes layup (Brian Taylor II assists)
- 2nd Half69-60Alex Wilkins makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half70-60Cam Morris III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-60Cam Morris III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-61Charles Johnston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-61Milton Matthews III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brian Taylor II assists)
- 2nd Half74-62Asa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half74-63Asa Thomas makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half74-64Abijah Franklin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-65Abijah Franklin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-65Brian Taylor II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-65Brian Taylor II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-66Alex Wilkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-67Alex Wilkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Charles Johnston makes layup (Asa Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half77-69Maki Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-69Maki Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Furman Paladins, below favours East Tennessee State Buccaneers.
Venue
- Timmons ArenaGreenville, SC
- Attendance2500
- OfficialsBobby Lineberger, Donta Carter, Owen Farist
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