Dec. 21, 2000

Box Score

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Laura Echols scored 19 points and Western Carolina shot 67% in the first half as the Lady Catamounts downed UNC Asheville, 75-57 at Justice Center Thursday night.

WCU (6-3) also had two other players in double figures with Laura Hamm with 14 points. She was 6-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. Marsha McGillivary chipped in 12 points.

UNC Asheville (2-7) was led by Emily Hill's season-high 15 points. She went 4-of-4 from the free throw line and tied a school record with 27 straight free throws made dating back to last season. Sophomore center Tonisha Jackson scored 16 points and had six steals. Forward Jessica Guarneri added 12 points.

The Lady Cats took control of the game in the first half as they went 21-of-31 from the field for 67.7% WCU led 17-14 with 11:55 left in the half but took charge with a 28-9 run to end the half. Echols scored 16 of her points during the 28-9 run as the Lady Catamounts led 45-23 at halftime.

The Bulldogs tried to make a run in the second half and got as close as 17 with 6:34 left on two free throws from Denise Wilbanks at 61-44. However, WCU went on an 8-2 run to seal the victory.