GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Wofford women's basketball team cut a 12 point fourth quarter deficit to just one with under a minute left, but Furman held on to win, 65-60, at Timmons Arena in Greenville.
After the Terriers jumped out an early twelve point lead in the first quarter, the Paladins used an 18-2 run overlapping the end of the first and the beginning of the second quarter to take control of the game. However, the Terriers made another furious fourth quarter comeback, but it fell short, as Wofford was unable to convert in the final minute.
Despite falling to 2-8 in Southern Conference play, six of the eight Terrier losses have been by a margin of 10 points or less.
Chloe Wanink had another outstanding game for the Terriers, pouring in a career high 28 points. The sophomore guard also tied her career high with six three pointers. Wanink contributed in other ways, too, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. The only other Wofford player to reach double figures was
Cairo Booker, who notched a career high 14 points in just her second career start. Booker also delivered a career high five steals to go along with three assists.
Grayson Pinholster also had a solid game, leading the team with nine rebounds, while scoring eight points.
The Terriers used four Furman turnovers in the first five minutes to jump out to an early lead. Wofford built a lead of 12 points, before the Paladins went on an 11-0 run to close the gap to one going into the second quarter.
Furman continued the momentum in the second quarter, as they outscored the Terriers, 7-2, over the first four minutes of the period. The Paladins took a 31-24 lead, but Wofford quickly responded with five straight points to cut into their deficit before halftime.
Wanink did much of her damage in the third quarter, as she hit three shots from behind the arc for nine third quarter points. Despite her hot shooting, the Paladins were able to stretch their lead with solid offensive execution.
The Paladins lengthened their lead to as much as 12 points through the middle of the fourth quarter. However, the Terriers responded with an 8-0 run to get within four. Then, with just over a minute left, Wanink's three pointer from the right wing brought Wofford within one. After another stop for the Terriers, Wanink's eight foot jumper rolled off the rim and the Terriers were forced to foul to extend the game. The Paladins converted both free throw attempts and Wofford's three point attempt could not connect, which allowed Furman to escape with the win.
The Paladins won the shooting and rebounding battle, converting on 45% of their field goal attempts, compared to the Terriers 34%. Wofford kept the rebounding battle close, only allowing Furman to outrebound them, 38-34. Once again, Wofford took care of the ball, delivering 13 assists to just 10 turnovers.
Up next, the Terriers will return home for their final home stand of the season. The team will take on Mercer this Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
