GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — A Furman team looking to rebound from a tough overtime loss visits a surging UNC Greensboro squad when the Paladins and Spartans meet in a Southern Conference men’s basketball clash Friday afternoon at Greensboro Coliseum. The Paladins (13-7) arrive after a deflating 77-75 overtime defeat at The Citadel on Wednesday, a game in which they squandered a late lead. Furman has dropped two of its last three, but remains above .500 in conference play. A key to their recovery will be the play of guard Charles Johnston, who is coming off a 15-point, three-block effort in 39 minutes against The Citadel. Johnston has been a consistent contributor, scoring 21 points in a win at Chattanooga earlier this month and posting a 12-rebound performance against Mercer. UNC Greensboro (8-12) has found momentum, winning three of its last four games, including an 85-78 road victory at Virginia Military Institute on Wednesday. The Spartans’ offense has been ignited by guard Justin Neely, who is averaging 22.3 points over his last three contests. He scored 22 points with three assists in the win at VMI and had 26 points in a loss at Wofford on Jan. 7. His scoring burst has provided a lift for a team that has struggled defensively at times this season. The matchup features contrasting trajectories. Furman seeks to stabilize its season and avoid a second consecutive conference road loss, while the Spartans aim to continue their recent improved form and climb the league standings. The Paladins won the first meeting this season, 84-73, in Greenville on Jan. 24. Friday’s contest is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams in a 16-day span. They will meet again at Furman on Feb. 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Greensboro Coliseum.