December 16, 2002

LADY PALADINS SHOCK VIRGINIA, 58-56

Charlottesvile, Va.-- Deshara Shealey's leaning jump shot with 0.3 seconds remaining ended a seven game road trip and, more importantly, a four-game losing skid as the Furman Lady Paladins topped the Virginia Cavaliers 58-56 in women's basketball action Monday night in front of 3,085 at UVA's University Hall.

"It's been a long road playing seven straight road games, but this team came together tonight," said Furman head coach Sam Dixon. "We have played some unbelievably tough competition this year and it was great to come together as a team tonight and win."

With the game tied at 56-56 with 11.4 seconds remaining, Furman got the ball in the hands of Shealey, a native of nearby Green Bay, Va. Shealey penetrated on the right side of the lane, spun back to the middle of the floor and banked in the game-winner with less than one second remaining. The junior eneded the game with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists, while sophomore Jen Nadalin paced Furman with 15 points.

The Lady Paladins led 32-31 at halftime behind a 4-of-6 shooting effort from three point range including two treys from sophomore Laney Harris. The lead changed hands seven times in the second half with nobody gaining more than a five point edge. The Lady Paladins won the battle on the boards by outrebounding the Cavaliers 41-33.

Forward Brandi Teamer led Virginia with 13 points and eight rebounds. Each team committed 20 turnovers in the game.

Furman improves to 3-5 on the season, while the Cavaliers fall to 4-3. Furman will be back in action December 29, when it hosts Coastal Carolina at Timmons Arena.