GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Flagler College men's basketball team faced its toughest opponent to date in NCAA Division I member Furman University Saturday afternoon at Timmons Arena. The Paladins defeated the Saints 86-61.

Furman, the preseason favorite in the Southern Conference media poll, improved to 5-1. The Paladins are ranked No. 2 in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 poll (second only to Associated Press No. 1 Gonzaga University). For Flagler, this was its second of three exhibition games this month.

"I am not sure if everyone understands just how good Furman is," said head coach Chad Warner. "They are extremely well coached, well balanced, and tough. This was a great learning experience for our team."

Furman jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead and never trailed in the game. The Paladins held a 50-25 lead at the half.

"Our guys showed some toughness and poise to battle back in the second half," said Warner. "I was very proud of that."

Flagler shot 46.4 percent (13-28) from the field in the final 20 minutes and forced 11 Furman turnovers that were cashed in for 13 points. The Saints also outscored the Paladins in the paint 18-16.

Derrick Ellis, Jr. led the Saints with 17 points thanks to 6-of-7 shooting from the field. He added five assists and four steals to his line. Jaizec Lottie scored 12-of-his-15 points in the second half and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Chris Metzger chipped in with 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Tyler Collier grabbed six rebounds.

Preseason all-conference selection Clay Mounce scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Paladins. Noah Gurley (17), Jaylon Pugh (15), and Alex Hunter (10) also scored in double figures. Hunter dished out five assists.

Furman shot 51.4 percent (19-37) from the field in the first half and finished with a 50 percent (31-62) mark in the game. The Paladins forced 20 Saints turnovers and converted those into 22 points.

Flagler will head to Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday (Dec. 16) where it will face the University of South Alabama at 6 p.m. Central. This will be the final exhibition game of the season for the Saints.      
 
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