Feb 6, 2001

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN STAVES OFF ASU RALLY IN 74-61 VICTORY

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team held off a strong Appalachian State second-half rally Tuesday night to post a 74-61 victory in Southern Conference action at Timmons Arena.

Furman used hot shooting in the first period (19-of-32, .594) to build a 15-point halftime lead, but the Mountaineers of Appalachian rallied in the second period to pull to within two points of the Lady Paladins on three occasions. ASU shot 36% in the second period and held Furman to a more reasonable 37.5% from the field, while outrebounding the Lady Paladins 26-20 for the half and 42-41 for the game.

Furman was paced on the night by Tara Charles' 13 points, while Kena Hodges and Orion Wake each scored 12, and Leitra Young grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds. Torrie Scott added five steals to the Furman cause and tied Charles with a team-high five assists. The Mountaineers were led by Jaymi Wilson's 23 points. Tiffani Johnson contributed 14 and Jamie Gagliano was good for 10, while claiming a team-high nine boards.

With the win, Furman improved to 14-8 overall and 8-5 in the Southern Conference, while the Moutaineers fell to 4-18 and 2-11. Furman will host the Wildcats of Davidson on Saturday, Feb. 10, while ASU travels to East Tennessee State for a 3 p.m. game against the Bucs.