Clemson 59 Furman 49

Clemson, SC. The Paladins (3-2) raced out to a 9-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game, but the Tigers (3-2) clawed their way back to a 24-24 halftime tie. Clemson's defensive pressure and Furman's missed opportunities in the second half resulted in the Tigers evening their record in the SoCon at 1-1 (which is probably where they are going to wish they play by midway through their ACC schedule). Junior Bryant Irwin was Furman's leading scorer with 13 points.

Injury Update. Graham was joined in street clothes by freshman guard David Brown who suffered a concussion in practice yesterday.

Furman 63 Loyola (Chicago) 51

Timmons Arena. The Paladins (3-1) came out of the chute as intense and sharp this afternoon as they were flat last Thursday evening in handing the Ramblers (0-4) their fourth straight road loss to start the season. Running out to an 8-0 cushion to start the game, Furman was led in scoring by Graham's roommate, sophomore Richard Brown, and senior Brandon Sebirumbi with 14 points each. The Paladins reduced their turnovers from 20 on Thursday to 4 today and nearly doubled Thursday's woeful shooting percentage by hitting 47% from the field.

Injury Update. Graham may or may not return to full-contact pactice this week, as the pain in his neck is still limiting him. He was in street clothes for today's game.

Mercer 66 Furman 46

Timmons Arena. The Paladins (2-1) shot 25% from the floor (15% on three-pointers) and committed 20 turnovers to give the game to the visiting Bears (2-1).
Injury Update. Graham was in uniform for the first time this season, as he returned to non-contact practice this week with full contact to begin next week (I remember when basketball was a "non-contact" sport!).

Furman 62 Columbia 58

New York City. The Paladins (2-0) spotted the Lions (0-2) the first nine points of the game and trailed by 11 at the half only to power their way back to earn their first road win of the season behind a career-high 15 points by Graham's roomie and NYC native sophomore Richard Brown and 13 points from senior Bobby Austin who hit six out of his seven shots from the field. Furman's first lead came with 2:09 left in the game on a three-pointer by junior Bryant Irwin on an assist from Brown.
Injury Report. Graham reports that his range of motion is increasing now that he and trainer Steve Hopkins have been more agressive in their treatment since last week's MRI showed no evidence of a fracture in his neck.

Furman 75 Roanoke 49

Timmons Arena. The Paladins (1-0) started slowly and finished strong against the feisty D-III Maroons (0-1). Senior forward Brandon Sebirumbi led Furman in scoring (15 points) and rebounding (11), followed by junior Bryant Irwin (14 points), and red-shirt sophomore Charlie Reddick (11 points). The game only stayed as close as it did on account of the Paladins' collectively cold shooting hand, as they made 39% of their shots but only 26% (7-27) from beyond the three-point line.
Injury Report. Graham got good news yesterday, as Wednesday's cervical and thoracic MRIs showed no evidence of a fracture or structural damage from the neck strain he incurred in practice on October 15. He could return to practice as early as next week, when the team returns home from a Monday-night matchup against Columbia in New York City.

Furman 85 Belmont Abbey 73 (Exhibition)

Timmons Arena. Youth was served as true freshman Dominic Early (22 pts.) and red-shirt sophomore Charlie Reddick (21 pts.) carried the Paladins past the pesky Crusaders in an exhibition game opening the 2011-2012 men's basketball season. Furman spotted Belmont Abbey a four-point half-time lead, only to take control of the game in second half.

Graham did not play. He has been sidelined since practice on October 15, when he incurred a stubborn neck strain.