' UTC at Furman
' Timmons Arena in Greenville, S.C.
' Today at 3 p.m.
' TV/Radio: ESPN3/96.1 FM
UTC (10-5, 1-0 SoCon)
Projected Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Alicia Payne 5-9 6.5
G Nakeia Burks 5-10 3.3
G Keiana Gilbert 5-11 11.4
G Moses Johnson 5-10 6.2
F Jasmine Joyner 6-2 11.3
Key reserves:
G Queen Alford 5-9 7.4
G Aryanna Gilbert 5-10 4.3
Furman (8-8, 1-0)
Projected Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Whitney Bunn 5-7 12.6
G Kelsey Ellis 5-9 6.5
F Holli Wilkins 5-11 12.9
F Cierra Carter 5-11 11.2
F Kaitlyn Duncan 6-1 3.4
Key reserves:
G Allison Beasley 5-9 5.8
C Shianne Goodwin 6-3 4.4
UTC report
The Mocs had to battle to survive on the road Thursday, outscoring Wofford 23-10 in the fourth quarter to claim a 13-point victory in Spartanburg, S.C. Alford had a career-high 20 points as UTC overcame its 22 turnovers by limiting the Terriers to 30 percent shooting and forcing them into 20 turnovers. Keiana Gilbert scored 14 points for the Mocs, while Joyner contributed team-high totals in rebounds (eight) and assists (four).
Furman report
The Paladins also won their Southern Conference opener Thursday, 81-77 over East Tennessee State, despite giving up 30 points to the Lady Bucs' Tianna Tarter. Bunn had 25 points (along with four assists), leading four Paladins who scored in double figures. Furman had 17 assists on 30 made baskets in the win.
Key matchup
The Paladins shoot the 3-pointer more - and more efficiently - than any team in the SoCon. UTC defends the 3-pointer better than any team in the league. That could decide the game. Another factor might be the Mocs' ability to pound the glass after missed shots by the Paladins, because Furman is statistically the worst rebounding team in the league.
- Gene Henley