CHATTANOOGA, TENN. -- Cierra Carter scored 18 points and Furman claimed its first win in Chattanooga in 16 seasons in beating UTC, 50-45, in Southern Conference women's basketball action Thursday evening at McKenzie Arena.

The victory, the third straight for Furman (16-11, 6-6 SoCon), gave the Paladins their first triumph at Chattanooga (16-10, 6-5 SoCon) since Feb. 11, 2002, first season sweep of the Mocs since the 2001-02 campaign, and clinched a winning season for head coach Jackie Carson's squad, which beat UTC, 58-57, in Greenville on Jan. 20.

"What a great win for our program," said Furman head coach Jackie Carson.  "Getting a road win is always difficult, especially at Chattanooga, which is so talented an so well coached.  I am extremely proud of our girls for their effort and fight, especially in the fourth quarter when we could have folded from our mistakes."

Carter, the Paladins' senior All-SoCon forward, tallied six of her 18 points in the fourth period, including a jump shot that gave Furman a 37-32 lead less than three minutes into the period.

A Celena Taborn 3-point play and DeAnneisha Jackson layup put the Paladins up, 42-36, and Carter followed with a pair of free throws with 2:33 to go for a 44-36 advantage after the Mocs' Aryanna Gilbert was whistled for a flagrant foul on a defensive round.  Furman took full advantage of the ensuing possession, getting a jump shot from Kaitlyn Duncan to stretch the lead to 46-36 lead with 2:19 remaining.

UTC scored on its next three possessions to pull to within 46-42, but Furman hung on over the game's final minute behind a pair of free throws from Le'Jzae Davidson and Carter.

Carter was a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line in the contest, headlining Furman's solid 19-for-20 performance at the stripe that helped overcome a 27.3 percent shooting effort (14x47) from the floor.

Taborn overcame two early game fouls to contribute nine points along with Stephania Oramas, who added a game high five assists.

The Paladins trailed 8-2 early before going on a 15-3 run to take a 17-11 lead midway through the second period.  UTC answered with a 10-1 burst to finish the first half and take a 21-18 lead into intermission.

A Duncan layup in the final minute of the third period put Furman up for good, 33-32, heading into the fourth quarter.

Chattanooga, which made just 20-of-61 shots (32.8%), was paced by Keiana Gilbert's 13 points and Aryanna Gilbert's 12-point performance.  The Mocs forged a 39-36 rebounding advantage behind Arianne Whitaker's 15 caroms.

The Paladins play at ETSU on Saturday in a 2:00 p.m. game.

Hunter Reid, Furman Sports Information