Jan. 10, 2009

Box Score

HARPER POSTGAME INTERVIEW ON CATAMOUNT TRACKS PODCAST 

CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Western Carolina women's basketball had its three-game winning streak snapped with a 69-41 loss to Samford Saturday in the Ramsey Center. The Lady Catamounts fall to 8-7 and 4-3 in the Southern Conference and Samford improves to 11-3 and 6-1 in the SoCon.

It was the first time in 66 straight games the Lady Catamounts have not scored 50 or more points. The club could only muster 20 points in the first half and just 21 in the second. Western Carolina also shot an anemic 26.3 percent from the field, the worst shooting night this season.

The two teams traded baskets for the firs nine minutes of the game before Samford took the lead when Chika Okoli hit a jumper with 9:17 left in the first half. It began a 15-8 run for the Bulldogs. Western Carolina avoided a 10-point deficit at the half when sophomore guard Kendra Carroll nailed a three-pointer from the right corner with 32 seconds left.

Western Carolina didn't hit a field goal in the second half for the first four minutes and allowed Samford to turn a seven point lead into a 14 points lead. The team only scored 21 points in the second half.

Samford shot a scorching 52.1 percent from the field. Western Carolina did win the rebounding advantage pulling down 36 to Samford's 33 rebounds but 28 of the Bulldog's boards were on the defensive glass.

Junior forward Kristen Feemster led Western Carolina with seven points. Senior Brooke Johnson paced the club with six rebounds.

Western Carolina continues its three-game home stand hosting rival Chattanooga Monday. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m. in the Ramsey Center.