The sell-out crowd was treated to a jersey-retiring and great game all in one night.
The men’s basketball team defeated UT Chattanooga 71-70 in overtime last Wednesday. The game that turned out to be very physical was exciting to watch.
The players enjoyed the physical aspect of the game. “I played football in high school, so this didn’t bother me too much,” said guard Mike Smith.
He also said that he appreciated the fans support. “The fans helped us win by cheering and supporting us.”
Senior forward Brad Nuckles acquired his seventh career double-double despite the physical beating he took. “I’m pretty sore right now. I took some elbows and gave a few too,” he said. Nuckles also said he enjoyed the fact that the referees let them play.
Chattanooga was an old rival from the Southern Conference, making it a better win for the players.
It took a last second three-pointer from Courtney Pigram to win, but it was a win. “Courtney wants the ball in his hands in that situation,” said Smith.
Coach Murry Bartow agreed. “Courtney said he wanted the ball, so he got the ball and won it for us.”
Pigram said that the shot was his second chance. “I missed the shot in regulation, so this was my second chance,” Pigram said. “Most guys don’t get that.”
The win would hopefully carry the momentum over into their next game.
The key thing was that the rotation had been reduced. “The guys got some major minutes tonight,” Bartow said. “I know the bench is deep, but we just don’t have enough time to get them all in.”
The free-throw shooting improved greatly. “We worked hard on free throws all week,” Nuckles said. The Bucs made 12 out of 14 free throws in regulation and 15 out of 20 overall.
The Bucs played Sunday at Auburn.

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