December 6, 2001

LADY PALADINS WIN BY 25 OVER WESTERN CAROLINA

IN FURMAN'S SOUTHERN CONFERENCE SEASON OPENER

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team used strong second half shooting and tenacious defense to drop the Catamounts of Western Carolina 72-47 Thursday night at Timmons Arena.

Furman shot just 31.4% in the first half, but held the Catamounts to 17.2% from the field and an 0-13 effort from three-point range, to lead 29-15 at the break. In addition, the Lady Paladins outrebounded WCU 31-21 in the first period and 55-37 for the game, taking 36 total second-shot opportunities away from the Cats.

In the second half, Furman's offense came alive to connect on 16-of-32 (.500) field goals, while Western made 9-of-29 (.310). Kim Lawrence had a particularly productive second period, scoring 10 of her 16 points and claiming nine of 12 rebounds in 14 second half minutes.

In addition to Lawrence's double-double, Furman's most productive players were Orion Wake, who scored 12, Althea Bufford, who tallied 11, and Mary Brock, who totaled 10. In addition, freshman guard Monica Pope claimed nine rebounds, while sophomore Deshara Shealey dished our seven assists.

The Catamounts were paced by Laura Echol's 18 points and seven rebounds. Tiffany Hamm added 10 points, while Yoneko Allen topped playmaking with three assists.

"We weren't making anything in the first half," said coach Sherry Carter, "I think we were a little tight because of the pressure of conference. We responded by playing great defense though, and that is what won tonight's game for us."

With the victory, Furman improves to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the Southern Conference, while the Catamounts fall to 6-2 overall and 0-1 in league play. After a break for exams, the Lady Paladins will play at Coastal Carolina on Friday, Dec. 14, in a 7 p.m. game. The Cats will play at Radford Sunday at 2 p.m.