November 21, 2002

FURMAN BASKETBALL TO ENTERTAIN JAMES MADISON FRIDAY NIGHT

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Furman Paladins men's basketball team opens its 2002-03 home season on Friday night when it entertains the James Madision Dukes at Timmons Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Furman head coach Larry Davis' Paladins are currently 1-1 on the season following a 74-73 win over Alabama State and an 82-57 loss to Creighton in the first and second rounds of the Guardians Classic earlier this week in Omaha, Neb. Friday's game will mark the season opener for James Madison, which is coached by Sherman Dillard, who is entering his sixth season at the helm.

Furman won its last meeting with James Madison, taking a 79-72 overtime decision in Harrisonburg during the 1994-95 season. The Dukes lead the all-time series 3-2.

Furman is paced by senior guard Karim Souchu, who scored 29 points in the Paladins' win over Alabama State and 22 versus Creighton. James Madison is headed up by senior guard David Fanning, who last year led the Colonial Athletic Association with an 18.0 ppg average. The Dukes, 14-15 finishers last year, return all five starters and were picked to finish sixth in a preseson poll of league head coaches.

The Paladins will return to action on Monday when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Kansas City, Mo., in the third round of the Guardians Classic. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 8:30 CST (9:30 EST). Furman will face either IUPUI or Creighton on Tuesday.