Final Stats

Chattanooga, Tenn. - The Western Carolina University men's basketball team fell for the first time in 2015 on the road at Chattanooga Thursday night. The Mocs took advantage of a 33-18 edge in free throws to down the Catamounts 66-60.

Senior James Sinclair led the Catamounts with 18 points. Junior Mike Brown chipped in 14 points while junior Torrion Brummitt added 12 points, a team-high eight rebounds and three blocks. Junior Rhett Harrelson had eight points, three assists and three steals. Brown, Sinclair, Harrelson and junior Justin Browning all had four rebounds.

The Catamounts shot just 35.5 percent from the field that included a 8-34 performance in the first half. The Mocs shot 45.2 percent from the field including 52.2 percent in the first half when they built a nine-point lead.

The Mocs defense came up with 15 blocked shots and forced 11 WCU turnovers. WCU turned in a strong defensive effort as well as the Mocs turned the ball over 16 times. Both teams struggled from long range as both the Catamounts and Mocs went 3-13 from downtown.

Chattanooga jumped out to a 12-6 lead over the opening three minutes but the Catamounts quickly cut the lead to one after a Harrelson three and a Brummitt layup. The first half would remain close most of the period. Trailing 21-20, the Mocs closed out the first half on a 13-3 run that spanned the final seven minutes of the period.

The Catamounts opened the second half with an 11-4 run to cut the Mocs lead to just two. UTC quickly answered with four-straight points but WCU kept it close until a 7-0 run with just over five minutes to play opened up a 10-point advantage for the Mocs. The Catamounts were unable to close the gap as time expired giving Chattanooga a 66-60 victory.

The Mocs were led by Casey Jones who had 18 points and 13 rebounds while Justin Tuoyo added 15 points and a game-high nine blocks.

WCU will return to action this Saturday, Jan. 10 at home against UNCG. Tip-off is set for 4:30 pm. The game is part of a doubleheader with the Western Carolina women's basketball team. The women will face Mercer at 2 pm.