February 9, 2002

WOFFORD UNABLE TO OVERCOME EARLY FURMAN ADVANTAGE

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team took an early lead on the Wofford Terriers Saturday at Timmons Arena, and held off a second-half charge to take an 81-72 win and remain in third in the Southern Conference regular season standings.

Earlier this season (Jan. 5), the Lady Paladins lost a 75-71 overtime decision to the Terriers and on Saturday Furman came out determined to defend its home court. Orion Wake and Mary Brock each reached double figure scoring for Furman in the first half, leading the Lady Paladins to a 44-30 advantage at the break.

In the second period Wofford's Jenny Nett came alive to score 15 of her 26 points on the day, but the Terriers were unable to overcome the early Furman advantage and never got closer than five points in the final two minutes.

When the final buzzer sounded Orion Wake took scoring and rebounding honors for Furman with 20 points and 10 rebounds, her 14th double double of the season. In addition, Kim Lawrence and Mary Brock each added 14 points, Deshara Shealey contributed 11, and Monica Pope totaled 10.

Nett topped the Wofford effort with 26 points, while Natalie Walsh added 18 and Cathey Franks poured in 10.

With the win, Furman improves to 13-10 overall and 8-6 in the Southern Conference, while Wofford falls to 13-10 overall and 7-7 in league play. The Lady Paladins will play at Chattanooga Monday at 5 p.m., while Wofford hosts Davidson at 7 p.m.