Box Score
James Maye records triple-double |
GREENVILLE, SC -- Karim Souchu scored a game-high 31 points to lead Furman to a 78-74 overtime victory over UNC Greensboro in Southern Conference men's basketball action from Timmons Arena. The game was the final regular season contest for both teams in the 2002-2003 campaign.
UNCG finishes the regular season with an overall mark of 7-21 and 3-13 in Southern Conference play. Furman ends their campaign at 14-16 and 8-8 in league action.
James Maye now has 1,553 career points, surpassing Scott Hartzell's previous record of 1,539 set from 1992-1996. Maye hit a jumper from the right edge of the free throw line at the 12:47 mark of the first half to break the record.
Mark Mason got the Spartans off on the right foot in overtime with a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Furman's Guilherme Da Luz connected on a layup to give the Paladins their first lead in overtime, 72-71, with 2:09 remaining. Karim Souchu then buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key for the Paladins' largest lead of the day, 75-71. Jay Joseph then hit one of two free throws to pull the Spartans back to three, 75-72.
UNCG held a 10-point lead midway through the second half as Joseph knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Spartans up 47-37. Furman then went on a 10-1 run to take a 50-48 lead on a Karim Souchu layup and free throw at the 8:12 mark. After an exchange of buckets, Mark Mason knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key to put the Spartans back up, 53-52. Joseph then stole the ball and knocked down a pair of free throws for a 55-52 lead after getting fouled on a layup attempt.
The Spartans went up by as many as six points on several occassions in the waning moments of the game, but Furman tied it up with a pair of free throws by Souchu, 64-64. Luke Boythe's shot at the buzzer went in, but was ruled late, sending the game into overtime.
UNCG started the game strong and opened an early 19-4 lead behind the 3-point shooting of Jay Joseph. Joseph buried back-to-back 3-pointers to get the Spartans rolling. The two teams would trade baskets over the next few minutes before Furman rallied to cut the lead to six, 33-27. UNCG's Mark Mason closed out the first half with a 3-pointer on a fast break to give the Spartans a 10-point cusion at the intermission, 38-28.
The Spartans connected of 15-of-23 from the field in the first half for a sizzling 65.2%, including 4-of-6 from behind the 3-point arc.
In addition to setting the new scoring record, Maye also registered his first career triple-double. The Kennesaw, GA, finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Joseph added 16 points, while Josh Gross chipped in with 15.
Leading the way for Furman was Souchu with 31 points. Kenny Zeigler added 16 points and Tony Carter had 12.
The 82nd edition of the Mountain Dew Southern Conference basketball championship will tip off on Wednesday, March 5, 2003 in North Charleston, South Carolina. The men's tournament, the oldest in the nation, will be played at the spacious and beautiful North Charleston Coliseum. All weekend games will be carried live on either regional or national television.
