Feb. 11, 2008

Box Score

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Junior Sarah Baker recorded a career-high 23 points as the Lady Paladins fell to Georgia Southern 59-54 in Southern Conference action.

The Lady Paladins jumped to an early 6-1 lead, but the Lady Eagles rallied to lead by as many as eight points with five minutes remaining in the half. Furman persisted, and a tenacious defense forced six turnovers, which the Lady Paladins used to narrow Georgia Southern's lead to three heading into the half.

In a second half that featured four ties and six lead changes, the two teams traded points until the one-thirty mark, when the Lady Eagles took a seven point lead, the largest of the half, and held on to take the 59-54 victory.

Georgia Southern was led by guard Carolyn Whitney, with 12 total points, while Ashley Melson added 11 to the winning effort. Ashley Rivens led the team with seven points.

Baker led the Lady Paladins with her career-high 23 points, while junior Melissa Liebschwager added 12 points to the effort. Baker and junior Katie Johnson led the team with five rebounds each.

With the win, Georgia Southern improves to 15-9 overall and 11-2 in the Southern Conference, while Furman falls to 8-16 and 3-10 in league play.

The Lady Paladins will host Appalachian State Wednesday in Timmons Arena with a starting time of approximately 7:00 p.m.