Jan. 27, 2001

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - The UNC Greensboro Spartans (15-4, 9-1) shot 54 percent in the second half and forced 23 Western Carolina (8-11, 2-8) turnovers defeating the Lady Catamounts 71-54 Saturday afternoon in the Ramsey Center.

Western Carolina took control of a back-and-forth first half, taking a five-point, 18-13 lead with eight minutes remaining in the first half. However, UNCG went on an 18-0 run over the next four minutes, and finished the half on a 25-5 run to take a 38-23 advantage into the half.

The Spartans pushed their advantage to as many as 23 seven minutes into the second half. WCU rallied, cutting the deficit to 11 with five and a half remaining, but could get no closer. It was only the third time this season that the Cats have fallen to a Southern Conference opponent in double figures.

The Lady Catamounts were led by senior April Fleck with 15 points including three three-pointers. Southern Conference leading scorer, junior Laura Echols, was held to 11 points, seven below her average, on 4-for-12 shooting.

Greensboro was led by senior Choronda Gwaltney with 18 points, 14 of which came in the first half where she was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor. She also dished out three assists and made two steals in the win.

Junior Samika Foster was the only other Spartan to reach double-figures, tallying 11 points and five steals.

Western Carolina will next hit the road Tuesday, January 30, as they travel to Greenville, S.C. to take on the Furman Lady Paladins. WCU fell 79-72 in overtime to FU in Cullowhee back on November 21, 2000.