The Furman men's basketball team will kick off the 2026-27 season against Bethune-Cookman in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon on November 2. This matchup, starting at 8 p.m. at the Rock Hill Sport and Event Center, marks the Paladins' second consecutive year participating in the event. Furman, fresh off a 22-13 season and an NCAA Tournament appearance, faces off against the SWAC regular season champion Wildcats, who finished 17-15 last season. This game is notable as it's the first matchup between the teams since 2003, and Furman leads their historical series, 2-1.

By the Numbers
  • Furman finished the previous season with a record of 22-13, winning the SoCon Tournament.
  • Bethune-Cookman claimed the SWAC regular season championship with a 14-4 conference record.
Yes, But

Despite their success, Furman faces a challenge with the Wildcats being well-prepared as defending champions in their conference. The Paladins will need to adapt quickly to maintain their winning momentum from the previous season.

State of Play
  • The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon features a total of eight games across two locations.
  • Furman's game will be one of six held in Rock Hill, SC, showcasing a variety of matchups throughout the day.
What's Next

With the season opener set, Furman will focus on preparation and strategy to ensure a strong start against Bethune-Cookman. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the season as they aim for another NCAA appearance.

Bottom Line

The matchup against Bethune-Cookman is pivotal for Furman to establish their dominance early in the season while proving their resilience as a strong team in competitive play.