GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Sydney James and Kate Johnson scored 12 points apiece and Furman used strong defense to smother South Carolina State, 67-43, in women's basketball action Thursday evening at Timmons Arena.

The victory improved Furman to 8-6 on the season while South Carolina State fell to 1-13 with the loss.

James, a senior forward who entered the contest averaging 5.0 points per game, enjoyed her best shooting night of the season by connecting on all four field goal attempts, including 2-of-2 from the 3-point range, and both free throws for her 12 points in just 18 minutes of play.

Whistled for two early fouls, Johnson tallied all 12 of her points in the second half, making good on 5-of-8 shots and a pair of free throws.  The junior forward also contributed six rebounds in just 16 minutes of work.

Furman led 15-9 after one period and limited the Bulldogs to just six second quarter points to take a 27-15 lead into halftime.  

The Paladins opened the second half with a 10-2 to run to take total command, going up 37-17 on a Johnson layup midway through the period.

Fueling Furman's performance was solid defense, as the Paladins forced a number of shot clock violations and 24 turnovers by the Bulldogs — the second highest total of the season by a Furman opponent.  S.C. State shot 39.5 percent for the game but managed only 43 attempts from the floor compared to the Paladins' 61.

Jada Session tallied 11 points to go along with a game high nine rebounds, and Sydney Ryan finished with 10 points for Furman, which outscored S.C. State 21-0 from 3-point range.

Furman continued its strong rebounding work, posting a 40-30 edge on the glass.

The Paladins' next game is a 1:00 p.m. Jan. 31 home contest against North Carolina Central. 

Photo Courtesy of Juan Soto