East Tennessee State Tops Furman in Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Freedom Hall (TN)
East Tennessee State Buccaneers 75, Furman Paladins 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Furman Paladins vs East Tennessee State Buccaneers?
East Tennessee State Buccaneers beat Furman Paladins 75-71 at Freedom Hall (TN) on February 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Furman Paladins vs East Tennessee State Buccaneers?
East Tennessee State Buccaneers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The favorite won.
The East Tennessee State Buccaneers triumphed over the Furman Paladins in a closely contested overtime game, finishing with a score of 75-71. This matchup, held at Freedom Hall in Tennessee, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Buccaneers improving their record to 18-7 while the Paladins fell to 16-9. The victory marked a significant moment for East Tennessee State, especially given their recent form, which has seen them win eight of their last ten games.
In the lead-up to this game, East Tennessee State had been strong at home, boasting a record of 4-1 in their last five home games. They averaged 80.2 points per game while allowing 71.6 points, indicating a solid offensive performance. Their most recent game before facing Furman was a win against Wofford Terriers, where they scored 86 points. The Buccaneers' overall home record stands at 17-7, showing their prowess when playing in front of their fans.
Furman, on the other hand, had been on a three-game winning streak, which included a recent victory against Chattanooga Mocs. Their last ten games yielded a record of 7-3, with an average of 76.2 points scored and 70.0 points allowed. The Paladins have also shown resilience away from home, holding a 3-1 record in their last four away games. Despite their recent successes, they could not overcome the Buccaneers in this tightly contested matchup.
The two teams had previously met twice in the current season, with each side winning one game. East Tennessee State secured a narrow victory earlier in the season, winning 72-69 at home, while Furman had triumphed 73-70 in their earlier encounter. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to assert their dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. This factor likely contributed to the high level of play observed throughout the game.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had East Tennessee State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 141.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the home team expected to perform well given their recent form and home advantage. The spread indicated that a close game was anticipated, which proved true as the contest extended into overtime.
Conditions during the game were typical for a basketball fixture, with no unusual weather or venue-related issues reported. The atmosphere in Freedom Hall was charged, with fans supporting their team vocally, contributing to the overall excitement of the match.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a thrilling display of basketball. The final moments of regulation saw both teams exchanging leads, but it was in overtime that the Buccaneers managed to pull ahead decisively. Key scoring plays included a series of free throws from Jaylen Smith and Blake Barkley, who both contributed to the Buccaneers' scoring in the extra period. Alex Wilkins also made significant contributions, including a crucial dunk that sealed the game for East Tennessee State.
The final score of 75-71 reflects the competitive nature of the game, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. This victory for East Tennessee State not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their position in the league as they continue their campaign.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ETSU -5.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | Furman Paladins +210 · East Tennessee State Buccaneers -258 |
Leaders
- PointsBlake Barkley15East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- AssistsAllen Strothers4East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- ReboundsCam Morris III9East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- PointsAlex Wilkins19Furman Paladins
- AssistsTom House4Furman Paladins
- ReboundsCooper Bowser8Furman Paladins
Recent form
East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W178.7 scored · 67.7 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W86-60vs UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 10
- W81-67vs VMI KeydetsJan 8
- W77-71vs Mercer BearsJan 3
- W74-49at The Citadel BulldogsDec 30
Furman Paladins
Last 10: 7-3Streak W376.2 scored · 70 allowed per game3-1 away
- 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
- W69-48vs VMI KeydetsJan 10
- W78-67at Chattanooga MocsJan 7
- L77-80vs Western Carolina CatamountsJan 3
- W74-72vs Mercer BearsDec 31
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 | Furman Paladins | East Tennessee State Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-55 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 7-26 | 7-17 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 41 |
| Free throws | 6-10 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 21 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Steals | 1 | 13 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 82 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-35Cooper Bowser makes layup (Tom House assists)
- 2nd Half46-37Jordan McCullum makes layup (Allen Strothers assists)
- 2nd Half48-37Cooper Bowser makes 2-foot dunk (Tom House assists)
- 2nd Half49-37Alex Wilkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-37Tom House makes layup
- 2nd Half51-39Cam Morris III makes layup (Blake Barkley assists)
- 2nd Half51-40Cam Morris III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-41Cam Morris III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-41Alex Wilkins makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half53-42Jordan McCullum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-43Jordan McCullum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-45Blake Barkley makes layup (Allen Strothers assists)
- 2nd Half53-47Blake Barkley makes layup
- 2nd Half53-49Jordan McCullum makes layup
- 2nd Half53-50Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-51Blake Barkley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-53Blake Barkley makes layup (Allen Strothers assists)
- 2nd Half56-53Charles Johnston makes 29-foot three point jumper (Cooper Bowser assists)
- 2nd Half56-54Brian Taylor II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-55Brian Taylor II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Jaylen Smith makes 18-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half57-57Alex Wilkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-57Alex Wilkins makes layup (Cole Bowser assists)
- 2nd Half60-57Cooper Bowser makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-57Cooper Bowser makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Cam Morris III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Jaylen Smith makes 28-foot three point jumper (Brian Taylor II assists)
- OT61-64Brian Taylor II makes 28-foot three point jumper (Cam Morris III assists)
- OT64-64Cole Bowser makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tom House assists)
- OT64-66Cam Morris III makes layup
- OT64-69Jaylen Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan McCullum assists)
- OT64-71Cam Morris III makes layup (Brian Taylor II assists)
- OT66-71Alex Wilkins makes layup
- OT68-71Ben Vander Wal makes layup
- OT69-71Ben Vander Wal makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT69-72Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT69-73Blake Barkley makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT69-74Jaylen Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT69-75Jaylen Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT71-75Alex Wilkins makes 5-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours East Tennessee State Buccaneers, below favours Furman Paladins.
Venue
- Freedom Hall (TN)Johnson City, TN
- Attendance4072
Elsewhere
- Vitale: 12 men's college basketball storylines, games, teams
- Caleb Williams, Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis start 'PCA!' chant at Cubs game
- Judge grants injunction to pro players seeking LSU return
- UConn replays Elite Eight win over Duke in nonconference slate reveal
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.