JANUARY 12, 2001

RELEASE: UPON RECEIPT

FURMAN'S MARY BROCK SPURS LADY PALADIN VICTORY OVER CHATTANOOGA

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- In addition to suffering through a four game losing streak, Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team found itself down 31-25 at the half Saturday against Chattanooga, but the Furman defense turned up the heat and senior Mary Brock scored 14 second-half points to spur a Furman comeback that resulted in a 62-51 victory for the Lady Paladins.

Brock totaled 16 points for the game to lead the Lady Paladin offensive effort, while Monica Pope, a freshman from Union City, Ga., totaled 14. Orion Wake keyed Furman's 50-44 rebounding advantage with 11 boards, while Deshara Shealey added nine and topped Furman's playmaking with six assists.

The Mocs were paced by Damita Bullock's 16 points, while Jennifer Wilson scored 15, 14 in the first half.

"At halftime we really keyed on Jennifer Wilson," said Furman coach Sherry Carter. "We mixed up our defenses and concentrated on helpside, and I think shutting her down made a big difference in the outcome of this game."

Furman's defensive adjustments resulted in Chattanooga's field goal percentage dropping from 36.4% in the first period to 17.1% in the second. The Lady Paladins, meanwhile, shot 32.1% in the first period and 45.9% in the second. Furman also went 12-for-15 from the free throw line, rendering Chattanooga's late fouls moot, and helping extend the Furman advantage in the final minutes.

With the victory Furman improves to 77 on the year and 2-2 in the Southern Conference, while Chattanooga falls to 8-6 overall in 3-3 in the league. The Lady Paladin will play at Georgia Southern Monday night at 7:00 p.m, while the Mocs host Davidson at the same time.