January 22, 2000

Release: Upon Receipt

UTC IMPROVES TO 8-0 IN SOCON WITH 68-53 VICTORY OVER FURMAN

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- The Mocs of Chattanooga improved to 15-2 overall, 8-0 in the Southern Conference, and won their seventh consecutive game, with a 68-53 victory over Furman, Saturday at Timmons Arena.

The Lady Paladins trailed 40-28 at the half, but tied the game at 42 with 13:23 left to play. Though slowed, the Mocs were not stopped, and outscored the Lady Paladins 26-11 to end the game with the 15-point advantage.

Furman shot 33.9% from the field, while the Mocs connected on 44.6% of their field goals. Both teams struggled from the line, where UTC shots 53.8% and the Lady Paladins shot 47.4%.

Furman was led by senior Jackie Smith, who scored a season-high 26 points and claimed 11 rebounds. She was the only Lady Paladin in double-digits. The Mocs were led by Tisha Lewis' 17 point performance, while Damita Bullock added 12, and Jennifer Wilson and Nneka Irons each totaled 11. The victory was UTC's first in Greenville since 1993, and ended a seven-game skid by the Mocs at Furman.

Furman will play at Georgia Southern on Monday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., while the Mocs face the Wildcats of Davidson on Monday.