Furman vs Western Carolina Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/1/25

In this article, we will formulate a Furman vs Western Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 1st at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Furman Paladins Betting Preview

The Furman Paladins are 12-1 (0-0) this year after they defeated Harvard by a score of 77-63 in their last game. Furman trailed 32-31 at halftime, but they scored 46 points in the second half in the win. The Paladins shot 51.9% from the field, 41.7% on three-pointers, and 78.6% on free throws in the game. PJay Smith Jr. led Furman with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Nick Anderson added 16 points and three rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Paladins defeated a non-D-1 team by a score of 100-75 and South Carolina State by a score of 68-64. Furman has won five games in a row and 12 of their first 13 games, with their lone loss coming against Kansas by a score of 86-51. Furman has scored 78.9 points per game and they have allowed 63.8 points per game, while also averaging 37.3 rebounds and 18.2 assists per game this season. PJay Smith Jr. is averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while Nick Anderson is averaging 11.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this year. Furman is shooting 48.3% from the field, 66.7% on free throws, and 36.6% on three-pointers this season. Furman will meet UNC Greensboro after this game.

Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Preview

The Western Carolina Catamounts are 4-7 (0-0) this season after they defeated Milligan by a score of 78-69 in their last game. Western Carolina trailed 35-29 at halftime, but they scored 49 points in the second half for the win. The Catamounts shot 34.5% from the field, 32.4% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in the game. Bernard Pelote led Western Carolina with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Cord Stansberry added 14 points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Catamounts lost three games in a row against Tennessee, UNC Asheville, and SC Upstate. Western Carolina has lost six of their last eight games and they only have one win against a D-1 opponent so far this year. Western Carolina has scored 70 points per game and they have allowed 76.2 points per game, while also averaging 40.3 rebounds and 12.9 assists per game this season. Cord Stansberry is averaging 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Bernard Pelote is averaging 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season. Western Carolina is shooting 40.4% from the field, 71.3% on free throws, and 29.7% on three-pointers this year. Western Carolina will face Samford following this one.

Why Furman will beat Western Carolina

• Furman has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Western Carolina has lost each of its last three games following a home win.
• Western Carolina has lost the first half in six of its last eight games.

Furman vs Western Carolina Prediction 

These two teams come into this matchup trending in opposite directions, but they both have a chance to start conference play with a win here. Furman has one of the best records in the country and their only loss this season has been against Kansas. Western Carolina has not had much luck against D-1 opponents so far this season and they just lost by nearly 50 points against Tennessee. The Catamounts are shooting 40.4% from the field and their defense is allowing 76.2 points per game. Furman is the much better team when looking at the metrics and I expect them to win this game easily. Take the Paladins here.