February 2, 1999

FURMAN MOVES INTO FIRST WITH 77-60 VICTORY

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furmanšs Lady Paladin basketball team scored a 77-60 victory over Western Carolina Tuesday night in Timmons Arena to move into a tie for first in the Southern Conference standings. The victory gave FU a 9-4 record in league play which ties the Lady Paladins with UNC Greensboro, ETSU, and Georgia Southern with five games remaining in the regular season. Furman jumped out to an early lead over the Catamounts with an 18-for-32 (.563) effort from the field in the first half as compared to Western Carolinašs 26.5% shooting. In addition, the Lady Paladins outrebounded WCU 26-16 in the first period and led by 17 points, 40-23 at halftime.

The teams played a very even second half, with each scoring 37 points. Western Carolina upped its shooting to 50%, while the Lady Paladins managed 47.8% from the field. In addition, Furman was two-for-two from the three-point line in the second period and connected on 13-of-20 foul shots, while Western made five-of-11.

Junior Jackie Smith and sophomore Amy King led Furmanšs offensive effort with 15 points each, while Smith claimed 13 rebounds for her league-leading ninth double-double of the year. Heidi White and Kena Hodges were also in double digits with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore Tara Charles topped the playmaking effort with six assists, while Smith and White each added five. In addition, Smith claimed five steals and led the team with two blocks on the evening.

Western Carolinašs Laura Echols scored 14 points to lead the Catamounts, while Willow Russell and April Fleck each tallied 13. Russell also led the rebounding effort with eight boards, while Amber Wheeler dished off a team-high five assists.

With the win, Furman improves to 12-9 overall and 9-4 in league play, while Western Carolina falls to 8-13 overall and 5-8 in the conference. The Lady Paladins will face UNC Greensboro, the only team to have beaten Furman at home this year, Saturday at 3 p.m. in Greensboro, N.C.