December 28, 2001

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Shaunzinski Gortman scored 15 points and Teresa Geter had 13 points and nine rebounds as No. 17 South Carolina beat Charlotte 72-53 on Friday night.

South Carolina went on a 26-3 run in the first half on the way to a 40-13 lead at the break. Charlotte (6-5) had 15 turnovers in the half and shot just 4-of-23 (17.4 percent).

South Carolina is 11-1, the team’s best start since notching a similar record to begin the 1988-89 season.

Charlotte was led by Alicia Abernathy, who scored 10 points, all on free throws. Brandy Patterson added nine points for the 49ers.

South Carolina center Petra Ujhelyi scored 11 points and starting point guard Cristina Ciocan, returning from injury, had a game-high eight assists.

The 49ers chipped at the lead throughout the second half and the 19-point final margin was the closest Charlotte had been since the score was 26-7 with 7:34 left in the first half.

South Carolina plays Florida A&M on Sunday in the Lady Gamecocks last game before starting Southeastern Conference play.