GREENVILLE, S.C. –
Clare Coyle scored 23 points to lead a cast of five double figure scorers and help Furman roll to a 106-48 victory over Erskine in the Paladins' home season opener Wednesday afternoon at Timmons Arena.
Coyle, a junior forward and returning All-Southern Conference performer, connected on 11-of-13 shots and combined it with seven rebounds and a pair of steals in just 20 minutes of action.
Alyssa Ervin followed with 16 points, and
Raina McGowens tallied 14 points to go along with seven assists, six steals, and four rebounds.
Freshman
Nariah Nelson also scored 14 points on the strength of 6-of-7 shooting from the field and was joined in double figures by classmate
Emma Briggs, who finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The victory was No. 50 for Furman head coach
Pierre Curtis, who is in his fourth season at the helm of the program.
The Paladins, who never trailed in the contest, kept the nets warm throughout, connecting on 40-of-71 shots (56.3%) from the field and 7-of-18 from 3-point range (38.9%). Furman also fashioned a 50-28 rebounding advantage, led by Ty Berry's eight caroms. The Paladins forged a 62-30 scoring advantage in the paint.
Furman utilized the fast break effectively, outscoring the Flying Fleet 34-7 on the strength of 22 steals and 16 assists.
Erskine was paced in scoring by Genesis Young with 16 points.
The Paladins (1-1) return to action on Friday when they play host to Southern Wesleyan in an 11:00 a.m. Education Day contest at Timmons Arena.
