GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Tate Walters scored 17 points and contributed a season high nine assists to help power Furman past Western Carolina, 71-59, in the Paladins' Southern Conference season opener Saturday afternoon at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown.

Walters, a sophomore guard, connected on 7-of-15 shots, including two three-pointers, and a free throw for her team high 17 points, which she combined with the nine dishes, six rebounds, and four steals in 39 minutes of playing time.

The win was the ninth straight for Furman (8-7, 1-0 SoCon) and 12th in the last 13 meetings with Western Carolina (6-10, 0-2 SoCon).

Madison Pack led WCU with a game high 18 points.

Tierra Hodges followed Walters in the scoring column with 16 points and a game high 12 rebounds for her fourth straight and ninth double-double in 14 games this season.

Sydney James tallied 11 points, and Greenville native Greyson Boone rounded out Furman's double figure scoring effort with 10.

After Pack connected on a jump shot to pull Western Carolina to within 23-21 at the 7:04 mark of the second quarter, Furman quickly responded with a 13-0 run over a four minute span, ignited by a Boone 3-pointer and finished off with a free throw by James, who contributed seven points in the spurt to give Furman a 36-21 advantage.

Leading 44-34 in the third period, the Paladins put the game away with a 9-0 run, capped by a Jada Session turnaround jump shot that gave Furman a 53-34 cushion.

Furman finished the game shooting 40.0 percent from the field (22x55) and dominated the boards, posting a 48-30 advantage.