CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Dec. 2) - The FAMU Women's Basketball team rode a torrid first half shooting performance to capture their first win of the season, 80-63 over Western Carolina on the road Saturday afternoon.
FAMU (1-7) shot 53.3 percent from the floor (16 of 30) in the opening half, while splashing six of 10 shots from distance to storm to a 43-19 halftime lead.
The Rattler Women finished the game with their best shooting performance of the season, at 48.3 percent (28 of 58), while their 44.4 percent performance from distance (8 of 18) was the season's best as well.
However, Western Carolina (1-6) did not fold, shooting 51.7 percent (15 of 29) in the second half, outscoring FAMU, 44-37 in the final two quarters.
The Catamounts outpaced FAMU in the third period, 27-14, cutting the Rattler advantage to 57-46 headed into the fourth, where the visitors pulled away with a 23-17 closing surge.
Leading the way for FAMU was guard Florence Ouattara with 17 points, including a trio of three-pointers, followed by Ecenur "E" Yurdakul with 13 points and four steals, center Shalunda Burney Robinson with a double double, 12 points and 14 rebounds, and guard Dawn King with 10 points, featuring a 3-for-4 shooting effort from distance.
WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU (1-7) will play their next two games at home, Thursday against Lynn University at 6:00 p.m., and next Sunday against North Florida at 2:00 p.m. in the Lawson Center.
