WCU outlasts Furman in an overtime

Coming off of a 17 point loss to UNC-Greensboro, the WCU women’s basketball team sought to bounce back against the Furman University Paladins on Thursday, Feb. 2, in Cullowhee. This was the final regular season game between the two teams.

Kyia Hough shooting a free throw in overtime. Photo taken by Danny Ranz.

The game was tight throughout but the most drama ensued during the last 10 seconds of regulation. After the Paladins scored taking a 66-64 lead, the Catamounts took a time out allowing a chance for one more play. Kyia Hough, junior, was inbounded the ball and was fouled while shooting a three pointer with .03 seconds remaining. Hough hit two out of three free throws to send the game into overtime where the Catamounts won 75-72.

“I thought the game was over but then I realized the officials called for a foul right before the clock expired,” said Chandler Laws, attendee of the game. “Thankfully Kyia did what she had to do and led the team to a nice win.”

Raziyah Farrington, sophomore, was the team’s top performer ending the game with 24 points, three assists, and four rebounds. Catamount sports website listed Farrington’s 24 points as her career high.

Two other Catamounts had stellar performances in route to the team’s sixth win of the season. Kyia Hough, junior, ended the game with 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists, scoring four out of the nine overtime points. Julia Brown, junior, ended the game with 11 points and 10 rebounds for, per catamountsports.com, her first career double-double.

“After a relatively disappointing season so far it was nice to see some of the girls really step up and play their hearts out,” said Alex Queen, attendee of the game.

These two teams played earlier in the season on Jan. 7 when the Paladins won that game 73-44 at Furman.

The WCU Women’s Basketball team (6-17) continues Southern Conference play Saturday, Feb. 4, against the Wofford Terriers in Cullowhee.