Huff scored eight straight points for the Mocs as part of his 17-point first half outburst to spark UTC to a four-point lead just before intermission, but Smith – who had 14 points of his own in the opening stanza – connected on a 3-pointer in the waning moments to give Chattanooga a 35-34 edge at intermission.

With its 25th victory of the season, Furman (25-8) secured its third trip to the SoCon championship game in the last four years.

The Paladins trailed by one at the half and went toe to toe throughout the second half, ultimately tying the game with 22 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.

Sunday wasn't the end of the season for the UTC men's basketball team, but it sure felt like it. The NCAA tournament was the goal. Instead, the NIT awaits.

The Southern Conference announced the league’s top players and other postseason awards Wednesday. ETSU senior Quimari Peterson was named the Southern Conference Player of the Year. Chattanooga head coach Dan Earl was named the Anton Foy Coach of the Year for leading the Mocs to a 23-8 record (15-3 SoCon) and the regular season title.