FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12-17-02

Shaw Hands Lady Pirates First Loss, 64-43

RALEIGH, N.C. - Shaw University held Armstrong Atlantic State to just 20 percent shooting from the floor in handing the Lady Pirates their first loss of the season, 64-43, in women's college basketball action in Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday evening.

Armstrong Atlantic State (4-1) made just five of 35 shots in the first half, but stayed with host Shaw (7-1), going into halftime down by just three points, 24-21. The Bears exploded in the second half for 40 points, hitting 18-of-26 shots from the floor (69.2 percent) to pull away with the 21-point victory.

Naomi Mobley led all players for Shaw with 17 points and 18 rebounds, the seventh straight double-double for the two-time CIAA Player of the Week. Latasha Shipman and Patrice Hearns each chipped in 15 points for the Bears, while the Lady Pirates failed to place a player in double figures for the first time all season. Junior Tasha Washington led the Lady Pirates with eight points. Junior Tishay Lewis endured a horrible night from the floor, going 0-for-14, but made all six of her free throw attempts for six points to go with five rebounds.

AASU will be next in action on Friday, December 20 as the Lady Pirates host Wingate at 6:00 p.m. in the 2002 Chatham Orthopaedics Basketball Christmas Classic.

- Pirates -