JANUARY 31, 2000

RELEASE: UPON RECEIPT

FURMAN RUNS WIN STREAK TO THREE WITH VICTORY OVER C OF C

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin basketball team won its third straight and improved to 8-2 since Jan. 1, with a 78-53 victory over College of Charleston Monday night in Timmons Arena.

Jackie Smith led the Lady Paladin charge with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Kena Hodges added 15 points and Ashley Shipp totaled 12. Tara Charles was the leading playmaker, with six assists, while Torrie Scott added five dishes.

For Charleston, Wilma Simpson scored 16 and claimed nine rebounds to lead the Cougars in both categories, while Tiffany Wilson added 10 points.

The win was Furman's eighth since Jan. 1, and improved the Lady Paladin record to 12-8 overall and 8-3 in the Southern Conference. With the win, Furman retains sole possession of second place in the SoCon standings.

"We finally got everyone back and healthy and have a solidified starting lineup," said head coach Sherry Carter. " In addition, we have a good substitution system in which every player knows how much time she is going to get. We are really starting to gel as a team."

Furman will play the College of Charleston again on Thursday, Feb. 3 at John Kresse Arena.