February 8, 2000

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN'S SMITH SETS RECORD AS LADY PALADINS DOWN UNCG 81-66

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Jackie Smith set a new school standard for double-doubles on the night the Lady Paladins snapped a five-game losing streak to the Spartans of UNC Greensboro, 81-66.

Furman shot a blistering 62.5% from the field in the first period to take a 41-34 lead into the half time locker room. The Furman percentage fell to 45.8 in the second half, but the Lady Paladins held the Spartans to 29.3% shooting to outscore them by eight and earn the 15-point victory.

In addition to posting the first victory over the Spartans since 1997, Furman ran its current winning streak to six games and took a two-game lead over UNCG in the Southern Conference race. Furman is currently second, with an 11-3 league record, while Greensboro fell to into a tie for third with an 8-5 SoCon mark.

"It was a great win and a very important game because it solidified our position in second place," said head coach Sherry Carter. "It was a pivotal game for us as we prepare for the Southern Conference Tournament."

Though Furman was led by junior guard Torrie Scott's 21 points, Jackie Smith added 15 points and 12 rebounds to the effort. Her all-important 10th rebound came with 5:28 in the game, catapulting her over the career-double-doubles mark of 48, set from 1989-94 by Furman-great Rushia Brown.

"I didn't feel any pressure to get my 10th rebound, because the game got close and I couldn't think about it," said Smith after she capped her 49th game with double figures in two statistical categories. "We really needed to beat UNCG, because we haven't won against them since my freshman year."

"We are all real excited," said Carter. "I was lucky to have coached one kid that good, and now I've had two. I never thought Rushia's record would be broken, but it couldn't happen to a better kid."

In addition to Scott and Smith, Furman's Kena Hodges recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Ashley Shipp added 13 points. UNCG was led by sophomore Brianne Dodgen's 20 points, followed by ChoRhonda Gwaltney's 13-point effort. The Lady Paladins outrebounded the Spartans 47-27, but gave up 21 turnovers to UNCG's nine.

With the victory, Furman improves to 15-8 overall, while UNCG falls to 13-8.