December 4, 1999

PALADINS FALL TO ETSU IN SOCON OPENER

JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team dropped a 74-64 decision to East Tennessee State University today in the Southern Conference opener in Johnson City, Tenn.

Furman shot just 38% in the first half to ETSU's 50% and trailed 41-31 at the half, but came out in the second period and tied the game at 56 with 8:00 left. After evening the score, Furman pulled ahead on a pair of free throws by Kena Hodges and led by as many as five, 62-57, with 5:45 to go. In the last five mintues, however, Furman was outscored 13-2.

The Lady Paladins were led by senior Jackie Smith, whoe scored 23 points and claimed eight rebounds on the night, while Althea Bufford added 11 points and Kena Hodges contributed 10. ETSU was topped by Angie Fickes' 14 points and Megan Jackson's five rebounds.