November 26, 2003
FURMAN BENCH KEYS 77-58 VICTORY OVER GARDNER-WEBB
BOILING SPRINGS, North Carolina -- The Furman bench scored 43 of 77 points Wednesday night to key a 77-58 victory over the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb at the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center in Boiling Springs, N.C.
After a slow start, the Furman team got into its rhythm and stretched a 10-9 lead at the 12:03 mark to a 37-19 advantage at the half. In the first period, the Lady Paladins shot 40.0% from the field and 62.5% from three point range, including three three-pointers by junior Laney Harris.
Harris continued to scorch the net in the second period and accrued five three-pointers for the game, tying her personal best from last season and tallying a team-high 15 points on the night.
Furman started the second period much like the first, and was plagued by four missed shots and six turnovers in the first four minutes of the half. With Gardner-Webb pulling to within six, 39-33 at the 14:43 mark, the Furman offense found its rhythm and in six minutes stretched its lead to 15 on a Deshara Shealey three-pointer.
In addition to Harris’ 15-point night, sophomore transfer Mivvi Strickland scored 14 off the bench, and Katie Roach came into the game to tally 10. Shealey was the only starter in double figures, tallying 11, while Orion Wake propelled Furman’s domination of the boards (51-31) with 11 rebounds on the night.
With the win Furman improves to 1-1 on the year. The Lady Paladins will open both their home and SoCon slates on Monday, Dec. 1, with a 7 p.m. game against East Tennessee State.