FURMAN PALADINS @ BELMONT BRUINS

Furman brings a 4-0 start into its first meeting with Belmont this season

Furman opened its three-game road swing with an 80-67 win at Holy Cross; Abijah Franklin scored 17, and Charles Johnston added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Belmont’s availability picture has a key question

Belmont played its 88-75 loss at Lipscomb without forward Eoin Dillon, and his availability against Furman remains unconfirmed.

Smiley and Ristic give the Bruins different ways to create

Jack Smiley scored 23 against Lipscomb, while Aleksa Ristic posted 10 points, five rebounds and seven assists for a second straight game.

Furman has scoring contributions beyond its top option

Tom House leads Furman at 19.5 points per game, and Belmont’s preview says all five Paladin starters average double figures.

The schedule spot favors Belmont’s home familiarity

Belmont returns to the Curb Event Center after two home wins, while Furman is in a three-game road stretch; tip is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Consider Furman with a meaningful point cushion

If a spread becomes available, Furman is worth a look at +4.5 or better because it has won three straight meetings with Belmont.

Under lean only at an inflated total

With a projected total around 150.5, under 153.5 or higher is a possible angle, but Furman’s early scoring average includes a 121-point game against Bob Jones.

Wait for confirmed sportsbook odds

The checked odds listings showed no spread or total, while a prediction market put Belmont near 54–55%; compare actual sportsbook lines before betting.