February 16, 2004
FURMAN RUNS WIN STREAK TO SEVEN WITH ROAD VICTORY OVER GSU
STATESBORO, Georgia -- Furman’s Lady Paladin basketball team ran its win streak to seven with a 65-46 victory over Georgia Southern Monday night at Hanner Fieldhouse in Statesboro, Ga.
The first half was a sloppy display, with 17 Georgia Southern turnovers and nine by the Lady Paladins. Furman shot 30% (9-for-30) from the field for the half, but made three-of-six three-pointers and eight-of-13 free throws for 29 first period points. GSU shot 33.3% (8-for24) from the field, and outrebounded the Lady Paladins 22-17, but could only put 23 on the board and trailed by six at the break.
In the second period the Lady Paladins had nine more turnovers and forced 12 Georgia Southern miscues to again win the ballhandling battle. In addition, the Lady Paladins shot 36.7% (11-of-30) from the field while holding the Eagles to a 26.1% (6-for-23) mark. Ahead by five at the break, Furman quickly increased its advantage to 22 on a jumper by Kim Lawrence a the 13:58 mark. Though the Furman lead eventually reached 23, the Eagles never quit and pulled to within 13, 57-44, at 3:38. Four made free throws in the final 1:59 - two by Jen Nadalin and two by Kim Lawrence contributed to the Lady Paladins’ 19-point decision.
The win marked the seventh straight by Furman and is the team’s longest win streak since 1996-97. In addition, all seven victories are against conference competition and is the team’s longest ever consecutive win mark in league play.
With the victory Furman improves to 16-8 overall and 13-4 in the Southern Conference, while GSU fall to 11-13 overall and 7-11 in the SoCon. Furman will play at Western Carolina Saturday in a 4 p.m. game - the third of this road series and the last road game of the season.