WBB: Cats fall to Furman

Courtesy Furman
Athletics

Cullowhee, NC - The Catamounts dropped a heart-breaker to Furman Monday night in the Ramsey Center, 57-54. The win was Furman's first over Western Carolina in Cullowhee since the 2004-05 season, ending a six-game Catamount home court streak.

The Cats placed three players in double figure scoring, Kaila'Shea Menendez lead all scorers with 16 points, followed by Rena Wakama with 14, and Alex Abraham with 10.  In a game that saw 8 ties and 4 lead changes, the Cat's largest lead of 8 points came in the first half, while the Paladin's  largest lead of 6 points came in the second half with 1:12 to play in the game, but the Cats cut the lead to 53-52, with 20 seconds left in the game, but free throws saved the day for the Paladins.    Furman's last 9 points were made at the free throw line, and as we know, clutch free throw shooting wins games.

The Cats outscored Furman 18-7 in points off turn-overs, and 16-6 in second chance points.   However, the Cats only shot 28% in field goals, to Furman's 39%. But those 14 (of 19 attempted) made free throws by Furman, is what won the game.