Nov. 29, 2002
Moraga, CA - Western Carolina's women's basketball team defeated St. Mary's College of California in a 70-67 thriller at McKeon Pavilion on Friday, November 29 on the first day of the Thanksgiving Classic. With the win, WCU improves its record to 3-0, while SMC drops to 1-2.
The Gaels, a team which has seen post-season play the past four years, took a 5-0 lead before the Catamounts rallied back to tie the score 7-7 at the 13:36 minute mark in the first half. The Gaels then took their biggest lead of the game at the 8:18 minute mark, as the Gaels led 25-13. WCU would continue to battle back as they outscored the Gaels 17-5 to finish out the first half, tying the score at 30 a piece.
At the end of the first half with the score tied at 30 each, the Catamounts shot 35.3 percent from the field, including 20 percent from 3-point range, and 62.5 percent from the charity stripe.
In the second half both teams traded baskets. The biggest lead of the half was owned by the Gaels as they took a six-point advantage at the 12:22 minute mark on a Julie Morris 3-pointer. WCU took the lead for the first time in the game on a made free throw by sophomore Melissa Ervin at 9:48. The lead changed nine more times before the Cats took the lead for good after two made free throws by Tiffany Hamm. In the end, the Gaels had two turnovers, while WCU finished 6-for-6 from the free throw line to take the victory.
WCU's Hamm led all players with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jennifer Gardner posted double figures with 18 points, adding seven rebounds. Janetta Heggins also has seven boards for the Lady Cats, adding four points, two assists and a steal.
Triola Jackson led SMC with 20 points. Two other Gaels finished in double figure scoring. Morris collected 18 points and a team-high nine rebounds and Carey Noakes tallied 16 points.
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