Furman Rallies to Defeat Charlotte 58-55

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tonya Phifer's three-point attempt as time expired did not connect and the Charlotte women's basketball team fell to Furman, 58-55, Saturday night at Halton Arena. The game was the 49ers' home-opener.

Furman (3-2) had three players score in double figures, led by freshman Kim Lawrence with 12 points. Deshara Shealey and Orion Wake were also in double figures with 10 points each. Phifer led Charlotte (1-5) with 11 points.

The 49ers led at halftime, 27-25, on the strength of Sarah Fisher's five points, including two on a basket with 18 seconds to go. In the second half, the Paladins took a 33-31 lead on a Shealey field goal, which they turned into a 10-point advantage with 11:28 to go. Charlotte rallied, however, pulling to within one, 56-55, on a Lauren Price layup with 2:18 remaining. Then, with only five seconds remaining and the 49ers forced to foul, Lawrence knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the win.

Furman will face Clemson on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.