January 20, 2001

Release: Upon Receipt

EAGLES TOP FURMAN 68-66 DESPITE LAST SECOND HEROICS

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Senior Lady Paladin forward Kena Hodges made what appeared to be a game-winning three pointer at the buzzer Saturday in a contest between Furman and Georgia Southern, but the officials waved off the basket and called Hodges for a double dribble , giving GSU a 68-66 victory and sole possession of fourth place in the Southern Conference standings.

The Eagles of GSU jumped out to an early lead in Saturday's SoCon action, but Furman kept the game close, never allowing Georgia Southern's first-half lead to reach double digits.. At the half, the Eagles held a 35-29 advantage based primarily of 50% shooting from the field.

In the second period, Furman pulled to within three or fewer points on five occasions, finally taking a 66-65 lead on a pair of Torrie Scott free throws with 10 seconds remaining. Furman sophomore Orion Wake called for a timeout with eight seconds on the clock, but the Lady Paladins were out of timeouts and were assessed a technical foul. Georgia Southern's Danna Simpson shot one free throw, which she made, tying the game at 66. Seconds later, Simpson drove to the basket and drained a 15-footer to give Georgia Southern a two-point advantage with two seconds remaining. Furman inbounded the ball and Hodges heaved a shot from mid court, which banked in and set off a celebration among the Furman faithful. The referees waved off the shot, however, charged Hodges with a double-dribble, and the game was over, 68-66.

With the win, the Eagles of Georgia Southern improve to 11-6 overall and 5-3 in the league, while Furman falls to 10-7 and 4-4. GSU was led on the day by senior Sharon Mitchell's 19 points, while Lauren Langly added 10 and Tiffany Lanier totaled seven.

Furman, which was plagued by 27 turnovers on the day, was led by Kim Lawrence's 12 points. Tara Charles added 11 and Orion Wake totaled 10, while Wake and Hodges led rebounding, with seven each.

Furman will face the Bucs of East Tennessee State on Wednesday, Jan. 24, in Johnson City, while the Eagles travel to Davidson, N.C. for a Monday contest against the Wildcats.