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East Tennessee State University

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Dakota Hamilton

Men's Basketball

Bucs High Country Bound for Crucial Furman Matchup

Can put one hand on SoCon title as they start three-of-four road stretch

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 17, 2026) - The SoCon regular season title is in sight for ETSU, but the Bucs will have to earn it with three of their last four on the road. The home stretch starts with a trip to Timmons Arena to match up with Furman on Wednesday at 6:30pm. 

MATCHUP: ETSU (19-8, 11-3) at Furman (17-10, 8-6) 
DATE: February 18, 2026, 6:30pm 
VENUE: Timmons Arena (Greenville, SC) 
TV: ESPN+ (Brock Bowling, Richmond Weaver, Joanne Bethea) 
RADIO: WXSM-AM 640 (Jay Sandos) 
LIVE STATS: StatBroadcast 

The Bucs have a two-game lead in the SoCon standings with four games to play. They can clinch at least a share of the regular season title with a win at Furman along with a Wofford loss to VMI and a Mercer loss to Chattanooga. ETSU is ranked 20th in this week's CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25, their fourth straight week in the poll and down one spot from last week. They remain the league's top scoring defense both overall (68.1) and in SoCon play (68.6), ranking 43rd in Division I in points allowed per game. They are 13-1 when they hold an opponent to fewer than 70 points this season. 

The Paladins snapped a three-game losing skid on Saturday with an 18-point win over VMI in Lexington. Furman has an elite defensive and rebounding operation, allowing just 70.3 points per game – second only to ETSU in the SoCon – and ranking 39th in the country in rebounding margin at +5.9. Freshman point guard Alex Wilkins has slowed down the last two games but leads the SoCon in field goals made and is 58th in the country in total points scored. Furman is 10-4 at home this season but are just 4-3 in SoCon play and lost their last home game, 67-64 to UNCG. 

This is the 71st meeting between ETSU and Furman, and the series is square at 35 wins apiece. The Bucs have won the last two meetings after rallying from a 15-point second half deficit to defeat Furman in overtime 75-71 at Freedom Hall on February 4. The last four matchups and six of the last eight have been decided by four points or fewer. 

For more information on ETSU men's basketball, go to ETSUBucs.com. 

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