Furman students, alumni proud of Paladins season following NCAA Tournament setback
The Furman Paladins were denied a trip to the Sweet Sixteen as the No. 13-seed Paladins fell to No. 5-seed San Diego State, 75-52, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
The Aztecs will face either No. 1-seed Alabama or No. 8-seed Maryland on Mar. 24 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A host of Furman supporters made the trip to Orlando, many witnessing Thursday's thrilling win over Virginia. Fans that didn't travel to Florida huddled at various March Madness watch parties and living rooms across Greenville, the Upstate and beyond.
Reporter Joanna Johnson and photographer McKenzie Lange provided updates as Furman faithful pulled for the Paladins on campus and at Yee Haw Brewing in downtown Greenville.
Check back for updates through the day.
Fans proud of Paladins after NCAA Tournament loss
⊳ 2:30 p.m.: “Today was a very exciting day for all of us at Furman. So proud of the men who played. Even though we lost, we still did really well and I’m so extremely proud of the effort they put out.” - Nancy Cooper, coordinator for Max and Trudy Heller Volunteer program at Furman.
Furman fans hope for comeback against San Diego State at Yee Haw Brewing in downtown Greenville
⊳ 1:45 p.m.: Even as the Paladins trail, 58-35, midway through the second half, there was a lot of excitement from fans at Yee Haw Brewing in downtown Greenville. People are cheering in a sea of purple as pompoms fly high in the air.
Fans are chanting “F-U” as the game continues. Students are holding on to hope, praying that Furman can make a comeback.
“I think the fact that we are experiencing something that happened last, 43 years ago, is insane. It speaks a lot about school pride and it’s something super special to be a part of.” Anna Caroline Hutchinson, freshman.
“This experience overall has been incredible. We’re being unified as one while supporting them in Orlando. It’s our freshman year and it’s crazy to see this all happening.” - Amelia Johnston, freshman.
“I think it’s a lot of fun to be here together. It’s also so cool to see our friends play on TV ... to see them for March Madness is incredible.” - Katie Wiener, freshman.
Fans are spellbound as Furman vs. San Diego State gets underway
⊳ 12:20 p.m.: All eyes are glued to the game on the scoreboard as the football field continues to be flooded in purple and white. People are moving out of the bleachers and onto the field, laying on towels, chairs and in large groups.
“It’s really awesome to be able to watch the game today. It’s awesome because everyone is so excited. We all wanted to come together with other students and share that excitement.” - Francesca Moya, freshman.“It’s super cool to be able to watch history being made and having the opportunity to all watch it together. If we win, I will watch people jump in the lake.” - Katie Grogan, freshman.
"We are beyond pumped right now because this is the first time we’ve won a game like this in the NCAA. Two of our top players stayed at Furman and that means so much to us. It’s a family and even though it’s a small university, we still show up and show how much we care about our school," - said Alan Bi, a Furman sophomore.
Furman students begin gathering at Paladin Stadium
⊳ 11:30 a.m.: Smiling faces are everywhere, as groups of students and parents mingle in the stands. Vendors are getting ready to grill up hotdogs and hamburgers, and pride for Furman University is in every person's outfit.
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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Furman students, alumni paint campus, downtown Greenville purple
