Catamounts Fizzle Out in Chattanooga

AP Photo/Chattanooga Times Free Press, Angela Lewis

The Catamounts, locked in a tight battle, were clawing and scratching their way back from an 8 point second half deficit to take finally re-take the lead 60-58 on a Tawaski King put back with 7 minutes remaining in the contest. However, the fuse burnt out on WCU and Chattanooga reeled of 18 straight points to put the game away.

Western (7-8, 2-1) opened the game on fire from downtown as they nailed 9 first half three pointers. Chattanooga Head Coach Jon Shulman stated earlier this week during the weekly SOCON teleconference that "You have to make 3's to beat us."  That Catamounts looked primed to do so in hitting 45% from 3-point range which led to a 38-36 halftime advantage. After halftime the Cats went 26% from downtown.

Chattanooga (7-9, 1-2) was able to rack-up points in the paint against Western gaining a 42-16 advantage in the paint. UT-Chatt PG Keegan Bell was able to dish all night in the paint with his 12 assists. And when the Mocs were not converting on Bell's assists they were rebouning and getting easy putbacks. The Mocs were able to hold a 47-24 rebounding edge, 20 of which were offensive, and led to 17 second chance points.

All told Chattanooga had four players in double figures led by Drazen Zlovaric with 19 points and 12 rebounds,  Ricky Taylor with 15 points, Omar Wattad with 12, and Dontay Hampton with 11. A notable for the Mocs, Keegan Bell with 8 points and 12 assists.

WCU only had two players in double figures led by Keaton Cole with 18 points on a career high six three pointers, Trey Sumler, a double-double, with 13 points and 12 assists. Some notables for the Catamounts include Ishmael Hollis 9 points, Preston Ross with 7, and Harouna Mutombo with 7.

The Catamounts will look to snap a two-game losing skid on Saturday when they take on Wofford in Cullowhee. Wofford is coming off a 75-58 win over former-conference leader College of Charleston. Tip-off is set from the Ramsey Center at 4:30PM. Fans can listen to the game on The Catamount Sports Network or watch on TV through MYTV 40 out of Asheville.