Feb. 23, 2002

Final Stats

Cullowhee, NC - It was senior day at the Ramsey Center, and the Catamounts (17-10, 9-9 SoCon) women's basketball team came out with a big win against Southern Conference leader UNC Greensboro (19-8, 14-4 SoCon) to end their regular season. It was freshman forward Jennifer Gardner who sank a jumper with 10 seconds left in the game that secured the 69-67 victory for Western Carolina Saturday afternoon.

With 17 wins, it marks the most victories for WCU since going 17-10 in the 1982-83 season. It was also the most wins for the Cats since becoming an NCAA Division I program in 1981-82.

After breaking the 2-2 tie with a lay-up by Gardner, the Catamounts led the rest of the first half. The Spartans kept the score close for most of the first stanza, but with a foul on UNCG's Lindsey Reed, Janetta Heggins made both free throws to give Western a 37-30 lead at the half.

In the second, the Catamounts came out hot, going on a quick 5-0 run in the first two minutes. But it was two 3-pointers in a row for the Spartans by Brianne Dodgen and Samika Foster that tied the game up at 49-49 with 11:13. Then after a steal by UNCG's Amanda Eaton, Jennifer Hart made the jumper to put the Spartans ahead for the first time in the game at 9:06. They would lead by as many as three before Jennifer Gardner sent the Catamounts back ahead, scoring on two free throws at 7:04.

The Spartans would tie the game once more with 38 seconds left after Samika Foster sank both of her shots from the line. On the next trip down the floor, Gardner came through for the Catamounts again on an assist by Yoneko Allen to get the lay-in with 10 seconds to go in the game. After taking two time-outs, UNCG tried to come back, but could only get off a desperation

Gardner registered her sixth double-double with a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds. Allen and Laura Echols added 11 points apiece. Echols also grabbed a team-high six rebounds. Janetta Heggins and Miranda Long each contributed eight points for the Cats.

For UNCG, Samika Foster led the team with 18 points and three rebounds. Brianne Dodgen added 13, and Nicole Murray had 11 for the Spartans.

This was the first time WCU had beaten UNCG since winning at home during the 1998-99 season. That was senior center Echols' freshman year, and senior guard Katie Scott's redshirt season. For them this was a great way to end their regular-season career at Western Carolina.

"This was a big win for us," said Scott. "I'm really looking forward to the Southern Conference Tournament next week. I think we have a pretty good shot at doing very well."

Said Echols about the game and her career, "This has been a great experience. I'm so glad my family and friends were here supporting me."

Southern Conference Tournament play begins Thursday, February 28 in Charleston, SC. However, Western will have a first round bye, finishing among the league's top six teams. The Catamounts will be the sixth seed and, for the second consecutive season, face Furman in the second round of the SoCon Championship. Game time at The Citadel's McAlister Field House, will be approximately 8:00 pm, starting 30 minutes after the 6 pm meeting between UNC Greensboro and the College of Charleston/East Tennnessee State winner.