Greenville, S.C. -- Stephen Croone scored a career-best 30 points for Furman in a 75-64 victory over Garder-Webb on Tuesday night in the teams' first meeting since 2001.

Williams Gates netted 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field to pace the Paladins (2-0) while Kendrec Ferrara added 10 rebounds and six points.

With Six lead changes in the first period, Furman headed into the half leading 37-29. The Palladins, led by new head coach Niko Medved, held the momentum for most of the second half, leading by as many as 15 points.

Jerome Hill posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Runnin' Bulldogs (0-2). Gardner-Webb, who was the only team in the Big South Conference to reach the 20-win mark last season, battled to within two points early in to the second half before the Palladins ran away.