Feb. 18, 2008

Box Score

CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Five Western Carolina players scored in double digits and the Lady Catamounts outscored Furman 16-7 in the second overtime to win a Southern Conference women's basketball thriller 93-84.

Furman started off slowly in the first half, allowing the Catamounts to lead for the entire half, but keeping the margin close until the two-minute mark, when Western Carolina pulled away to lead by 13, the team's largest margin of the half. Furman was led by Mollie Petersen's six points in the first half, and matched the Catamounts with 22 total team rebounds, but allowed 12 turnovers for 13 points.

After the break, Western Carolina continued to score, leading by as many as 19 points at the 15:40 mark, and keeping their lead in double digits until the seven-minute mark. Back to back layups by Melissa Liebschwager and Chrissy Phelps cut the Catamounts' lead to six points, and Furman went on a 19-7 run in the last seven minutes to tie the score at 67, forcing the game into overtime. 11 of Furman's 19 points during that time period were scored by sophomore Lee Stephens.

The two teams traded points in overtime until Furman scored a five-point lead at the one-minute mark, helped by solid defensive play from junior Katie Johnson and two made free throws from Stephens. A layup by Western's Ashley Pellom and a free throw shot from Heather Swayne put the Catamounts back within two, and Lauren Powell's two-point shot at the buzzer forced the game into a second overtime with the score tied at 77.

The Catamounts scored first in the second overtime, but Furman fought back to tie the score again at 81, and kept Western Carolina's lead to within two points until the one-minute mark. A two-point shot from Chevon Keith and several good free-throws put the Catamounts up by five with 26 seconds left, and Western Carolina went on to win the game 93-84.

The Lady Catamounts were led by junior Lauren Powell and seniors Chevon Keith and Jessika Johnson, who each scored 13 points. Junior Kendra Eaton added 11 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season.

Stephens led the Lady Paladins with 20 total points and six assists on the night. Senior Chrissy Phelps recorded 18 points, 16 of which were scored in the second half and overtime periods. Junior Melissa Liebschwager also added 18 points for the Lady Paladins, while junior Katie Johnson led the team with 12 rebounds.

With the win, the Catamounts improve to 21-6 overall and 13-2 in the Southern Conference, while Furman falls to 8-18 and 3-12 in league play. The Lady Paladins will return home on Feb. 25 to host Davidson in their final home match of the season. Furman will recognize its two seniors, Chrissy Phelps and Adrienne Gilmore, and their contributions to the Lady Paladin basketball program.