Furman Edges Belmont 76-74 in Season Opener

Belmont University men's basketball suffered a close 76-74 defeat against Furman, with PJay Smith hitting a game-winning three-pointer with just 2.3 seconds left. Smith led the Paladins with 21 points, while Nick Anderson and Garrett Hien contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively, showcasing Furman's strong three-point shooting with 16 made shots from beyond the arc. Brody Peebles stood out for Belmont, scoring a career-high 26 points, but the team struggled to defend against Furman's perimeter attack. Despite a strong performance from Peebles and Carter Whitt, who added 14 points, Belmont's reliance on two-pointers was not enough to overcome Furman's offensive efficiency. This loss highlights the challenges ahead for Belmont as they rebuild their team with many new faces following the departure of all five starters from last season. Coach Casey Alexander is experimenting with different lineups in hopes of finding a winning combination as the season progresses.