GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Dakota Dukes scored 19 points and Davidson used solid shooting and command of the boards to beat Furman, 69-51, in the 2015-16 season opener for both teams Friday evening at Timmons Arena.

Dukes, a senior forward, converted 8-of-13 shots and 3-of-4 free throw attempts to lead Davidson (1-0), which got 14 points from Hannah Early and 12 points out of Mackenzie Latt to control the inside game and help the Wildcats shoot 50.0 percent (29-of-58) for the contest.  Dukes, Early, and Latt also combined for 23 rebounds, which keyed Davidson to a 45-30 advantage on the glass.

Holli Wilkins claimed game high scoring honors for Furman (0-1) with 19 points, and Cierra Carter had 14 points for the Paladins, who struggled to find the shooting mark, connecting on just 7-of-32 shots in the first half (21.9 percent).  

Dukes drained the first bucket of the game as the Wildcats made seven of their first eight shots to grab a 15-8 lead.  

Davidson led 31-19 at intermission and doubled up the Paladins on a Dukes layup for a 46-23 advantage with 3:59 remaining in the third quarter.

At that point Furman made its only substantial counter of the game, using full court pressure to fashion a 10-0 run keyed by a layup and 3-pointer by Carter.  A Wilkins jumper with 2:40 left pulled Furman to within 46-33, but the Paladins could get no closer the rest of the way.

Wilkins' 9-for-19 shooting effort was the one of the few bright spots for the Paladins, who connecting on just 19-of-62 shots (30.6 percent) from the field.

Furman returns to action on Monday when it entertains South Carolina State in a 7:00 p.m. game at Timmons Arena.