Jamuary 3, 2000

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN TOPS WESTERN CAROLINA 80-73 IN OVERTIME

SMITH CLAIMS 40TH CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team improved to 5-6 on the year and 2-1 in the Southern Conference after defeating Western Carolina 80-73 Monday in overtime at Timmons Arena.

Furman held a 28-26 lead at the half, but ended regulation tied at 67 after Western outscored Furman 41-39 in the second period. Furman led by 13, 61-48 with 7:36 to play, but succumbed to the Catamount press and was outscored 19-6 in the final 7:24 of regulation. Senior Western Carolina center Willow Russell tied her career high points total with 25, and scored 14 consecutive Catamount points in the second half.

In the overtime period, junior point guard Tara Charles scored seven of her 15 points, dished off one assist and claimed one steal to lead Furman in outscoring the Cats 13-6. Charles connected on a three pointer to give Furman the 70-69 advantage at the 3:48 mark, a lead the Lady Paladins did not lose again.

On the night, Furman was led by senior Jackie Smith, who claimed her 40th career double-double with 19 points and 13 boards. Junior point guard Torrie Scott also manged a double-double with 12 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while Kena Hodges scored 17 and Ashley Shipp added 11.

Furman will host the Eagles of Winthrop on Wednesday, January 5, in a 7 p.m. matchup in Timmons Arena.