The Buccaneers started out with a lot of hype Saturday against SoCon rival Georgia Southern. Zakee Wadood broke out the “whoopin’ stick” early as he blocked shot after shot, leaving spectators to ask, “How high can he get?”
In the Buccaneers’ (5-1, 1-0 SoCon) 91-85 victory over GSU (3-2, 0-1) in the first SoCon game of the season, Wadood had four blocks, led the team in scoring with 30 points, his career high, and 12 rebounds.
“We wanted to focus on defense in the second half,” Wadood said. “We did not contain them at all and we wanted to make a conscious effort to stay in front on them and make them take tough shots.”
ETSU’s quick start was quickly halted by the Eagles as they shot 48 percent in the first half and capitalized on 12 Buc turnovers. Halftime saw the Eagles leading 48-46.
With 13:33 left in the game, the Bucs took the lead back 57-56. Then ETSU’s answer to nuclear power starting hitting threes. Anthony James scored 12 of his 13 in the second half. He hit two big three-pointers at 11:41 and with 9:28 in game to help put the Bucs up 71-63.
“I can just feel when I’m going to start hitting threes,” said James. “If I can just get my feet set and get a hold of the ball, I can usually score.”
Jerald Fields set Ben Rhoda up the basket for a lay-up with 47 seconds left in the game to seal the victory.
“Zakee would not let loose,” said Bartow. “Our zone helped us win in the second half. We did not have an answer for them in the first half. Our defensive pressure was better in the second half.”
Sophomore guard Tim Smith played 39 minutes Saturday. Smith said it is too early for the team to be comfortable yet as they were at the end of last year’s season.
“We’re not comfortable yet, not in the groove yet,”said Smith. He said that just because it’s early in the season, with new coaching and new strategy, they are not yet in the full swing.
The Bucs will face Clemson next in Greeneville, S.C. on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

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