Pjay Smith Jr. leads Furman to a thrilling win over Princeton

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Greenville, South Carolina, the Furman Paladins faced off against the Princeton Tigers in a compelling college basketball matchup. The game concluded with Furman emerging victorious with a score of 69-63. A significant contribution came from Pjay Smith Jr., who showcased an impressive performance by scoring 23 points, pulling down eight rebounds, and recording four steals. His efforts were crucial to securing the win for the Paladins, who are now 9-1 on the season. The Paladins not only impressed with individual performances but also demonstrated cohesive team play throughout the match. Garrett Hien supported the team’s offensive efforts with ten points, although he struggled with free-throw shooting, missing all four attempts. Nick Anderson contributed nine points, including three made shots from beyond the arc. These performances highlighted Furman's depth and versatility as a team. On the opposing side, Princeton’s efforts were largely spearheaded by Xaivian Lee, who posted 16 points, alongside seven rebounds and five assists, which highlighted his all-around contribution to the game. Dalen Davis also put forth a strong effort, scoring 13 points and aiding with four assists, helping to keep the Tigers competitive. Caden Pierce rounded out Princeton's strong performance with 11 points and four steals. Looking forward, Furman is set to face South Carolina State at home on the following Saturday, while Princeton will host Monmouth this Tuesday. Both teams will be eager to improve their standings as the college basketball season progresses, with Furman aiming to maintain their winning momentum while Princeton seeks a rebound from their recent loss.