group was enthusiastic throughout the game.
In particular, one group of four students painted “B-U-C-S” on their chests and “SO-CON” on two of their backs.
“We’re tired of seeing dead fans – we LOVE ETSU!” one mask of paint said. The group is in the process of becoming a formal organization named the “Scubs.”
The players, especially, were reflective after the game. McDuffie said, “It’s wonderful to go out like this; this is the best I’ve played all year – I really gave it my all. I hope I can keep this up through the tournament. My freshman year was really a struggle, for we weren’t really a team. We have a team now.”
Meeks added, “But I wouldn’t take it back for nothing. All the surgeries, all the work … it was all worth it.”
Scooter Johnson was more pragmatic, saying, “Well, this is the third time I’ve done this (last home games), with high school and junior college.
“However, it’s still pretty emotional.”
Coach Ed DeChellis summed it all up, saying, “More than anything, I wanted these guys to finish out on top, and we were able to do that.
“All season long, different guys have stepped up for us, and it was wonderful for a senior (McDuffie) to play the way he did tonight.
“Adrian was a little emotional, understandably, and he didn’t play as well as normal (six points and two rebounds). I’m really proud of this team – we’ve come a long way.”
The Bucs will travel to Wofford on Saturday with a chance to claim the overall Southern Conference regular season title.

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