MARCH 6, 2003

FURMAN ADVANCES TO SOCON SEMIFINALS WITH
65-51 WIN OVER FIFTH-SEEDED SPARTANS

CHARLESTON, South Carolina -- Furman’s fourth-seeded Lady Paladin basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the Southern Conference Championship for the fourth consecutive year with a 65-51 victory over the Spartans of UNC Greensboro Thursday at the McAlister Field House on The Citadel’s campus.

The Furman attack was swift and efficient early in the game, as the Lady Paladins pulled ahead 24-8 in the opening minutes. The Spartans stormed back to pull within six, 31-25 at the halftime break, but were hampered by 13 first period turnovers, which Furman parlayed into 17 points. Kim Lawrence and Deshara Shealey each scored eight to lead Furman, but Lawrence was sidelined for the last five minutes of the period with three fouls.

In the seond half, a dogged UNCG team stayed with the Lady Paladins, forcing 12 second period turnovers and pulling to within five\with four minutes to play. But Lawrence poured in an additional 13 point to finish with 21 for the game, while SoCon player of the year Shealey added 11 points to total 19 for the game. In addition, sophomore Katie Roach grabbed 10 rebounds for the game to pace the Paladins on the boards.

“I think our defense is what separated us from UNC Greensboro,” said Furman coach Sam Dixon. “Our press was very effective at times, slowed down their play and forced some players to handle the ball that don’t usually handle it much. That led to some fast break points for us and we were able to build a lead in the first half and get some confidence.”

With the win Furman improved to 16-12 overall and will face the winner of the Chattanooga-College of Charleston contest Friday at noon in the North Charleston Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on CSS.