The ETSU women’s basketball team defeated a rival Monday when they won over Appalachian State, 101-78, running ETSU’s record to 2-12 (2-3).
Appalachian State fell to 2-12 (0-5).
The stellar efforts of junior guard Erin Thurman (27 points, 10-13 shooting) overwhelmed ASU, despite strong efforts from Mountaineers post player Natasha Lettsome (17 points, 10 rebounds) and reserves Aisha Bryant and Kermetris Hill (13 and 12 points, respectively).
The game was closely contested in the opening minutes as the teams traded baskets, with the Mountaineer inside game keeping ASU in the lead.
However, a jump-shot by Thurman would prove to start the ETSU comeback, and the Bucs reeled off a 13-0 run in the closing minutes of the first half for a 19-point advantage at the break.
The second half was never close, despite ASU’s best efforts. Even though the Mountaineers scored more points in the paint and dominated the boards, scoring 24 second chance points, the key statistic would prove to be turnovers, as the difference in points of turnovers (37-18) would prove to be nearly the margin of victory.
The Bucs finished their second Southern Conference victory with a 23-point cushion.
Erin Thurman, in recognition of her play, received the Southern Conference Player of the Week award.
Aside from her play in the Appalachian State game, she also led the Bucs against UTC, scoring 17 points with three steals and three assists.
After an eight-point effort at Georgia Southern, she created a masterpiece in the ASU game, stopping Mountaineer comebacks with clutch baskets and leading the team to an important victory.
The Lady Bucs play again on Saturday, when the College of Charleston comes to Johnson City at 3 p.m.
Becky Wollenberg leads the 8-6 Cougars with a 13.8 points per game average. Charleston is 4-1 in the Southern Conference.

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