February 5, 2002

FURMAN SNAPS THREE GAME LOSING STREAK WITH 85-74 WIN OVER DAVIDSON

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak and avenged an overtime loss on Jan. 5, by defeating the Davidson Wildcats 85-74 Tuesday night at Timmons Arena.

The first period was an offensive battle, as evidenced by the scoring of 92 total points and 10 lead changes. At the halftime buzzer, Furman held a 49-43 lead, thanks in part to a 12-7 run to end the half. The Wilcats shot 44.1% from the field in the period while Furman connected on 48.5% of its shots. Bethany Schott(12) and Janna Magette (11) were both in double figures at the break, while the Lady Paladins' Deshara Shealey totaled 11 points.

In the second half both teams stepped up their defensive pressure, but Furman was able to outscore the Cats 36-31 to take the 11-point victory. When the final buzzer sounded four Wildcats and five Lady Paladins had scored in double figures, with Davidson' Magette earning a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards.

Furman, which shot 50% from the field for just the fourth time this season, was led by Kim Lawrence's 15 points, while Mary Brock added 13, Jen Nadalin and Deshara Shealey totaled 11, and Orion Wake tallied 10.

In addition to Magette, the Wildcats were paced by 16 points by Schott, 13 by Megan Bryant, and 11 by Courtney Laird.

With the victory, Furman improves to 12-10 overall and 7-6 in Southern Conference play, while Davidson falls to 8-13 and 4-8. The Lady Paladins will host Wofford Saturday at 2 p.m., while the Wildcats play host to the Appalachian State Mountaineers in a 3 p.m. tipoff.