Dec. 28, 2000

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- South Carolina opened the second half with a 19-4 run on its way to defeating the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team, 61-43, Thursday night at Halton Arena. The loss snapped the 49ers' three-game winning streak.

Shaun Gortman and Nihan Anaz led South Carolina (4-8) with 12 points each. Teresa Geter crashed the boards for the Gamecocks, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. Tonya Phifer was the high scorer for Charlotte (4-6), posting 11.

The 49ers held a 25-24 advantage at the half, led by nine points from Phifer. The Gamecocks came out firing in the second period, however, surging to a 14-point lead by the 10:29 mark. Gortman sparked South Carolina's run with nine of her 12 points in the first 9:31 of the second period. Charlotte pulled to within 11 with 8:16 left to play on a Quidara Russell field goal, but the 49ers were unable to cut the deficit to single digits.

Charlotte returns to action Sunday, when they ring in the new year at C-USA foe Saint Louis at 3:00. The 49ers' next home game is Friday, Jan. 5, when they host Southern Miss in Halton Arena.