By CHARLIE PARENT Furman handled Chattanooga 88-79 on Monday night to win the Southern Conference and avenge last season’s heart-breaker in the championship when Chattanooga hit a buzzer-beater to send the Paladins home. It is Furman’s 7th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since the 1979-1980 season. FURMAN, FINALLY! 👏 pic.twitter.com/IsA71GR8se— The 363 Project (@the363project) March 7, 2023 Jalen Slawson, the SoCon Player of the Year, led the way for Furman with 18 points and five boards. The Paladins came in as a 14-seed in Joe Lunardi’s recent bracketology. They boast a fast-paced offense that is 11th in the country in points per game. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow Charlie on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook