Jan. 21, 2003

Final Stats

BOONE, N.C.- Western Carolina's Jennifer Gardner recorded her fourth straight double-double, posting 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Catamounts to a 65-63 victory over Appalachian Tuesday night in the Holmes Center. The Mountaineers (5-11, 4-3) were led again by last week?s SoCon Player of the Week Tiffani Johnson, who contributed 17 points and seven rebounds to the effort.

Western Carolina (12-4, 5-2) jumped out to an early six-point lead, and managed to hold the advantage through much of the first half thanks to the efforts of Gardner, who scored 11 in the opening period, and Janetta Heggins, who scored five points and contributed four assists. ASU's Aisha Bryant came out strong for Appalachian, putting 11 points on the board before the break. The lead changed four times before WCU took the 33-28 advantage into the lockerroom.

The Catamounts went on a 10-2 run in the first few minutes of the second half to hold the 10-point lead. ASU managed to chip away at the deficit, pulling within three points at the 7:07 mark on a three-point bucket from Lindsay Smith, but then Western began to pull away. WCU's Yoneko Allen put up two of her 10 points with two minutes left to play to give the visitors an eight-point advantage. Despite a three from Jaymi Wilson and a layup from Johnson that brought the game within two points, the Mountaineers could not take control of the board and the contest ended with a 65-63 victory for Western Carolina.

In addition to Gardner?s 14 points and 12 rebounds, Allen netted 10 points and four boards for the Catamounts and Tiffany Hamm put up nine points and eight rebounds. Christy Blackwell grabbed two steals in the game to give her 186 for her career and sole possession of eighth place on WCU's all-time list. She also dished out three assists to give her 230 for her career, which moves her into sixth place on the school's list.

Three Mountaineers were in double figures for the evening: Johnson with 17, Bryant with 13 points and Michelle Conklin with 10 points and five assists. Conklin and Lindsay Smith both fouled out for the Apps.

Western Carolina plays host to UNC Greensboro Saturday, Jan. 25, in the first game of a double-header in the RAC. Tip-off is set for 4:00 pm and the WCU men follow at 7:00 pm.