While missing two key players in the middle of a second rebuilding team, the ETSU Men’s basketball team fell to long-time conference foe, the Chattanooga Mocs by a score of 78-71.
Coming into the game, the Bucs held a 14-12 record, 8-6 in Southern Conference play. Fighting to capture a better seed in the conference tournament scheduled for early next month, every game becomes more and more important for the Bucs. While the rivalry against the Mocs always brings a heightened sense of competitiveness, the first half would see an anticipated battle on the court. Chattanooga would ultimately outscore ETSU 36-30 at the half-time break.
As the ball was tipped off to begin the second half, ETSU would battle once again. Scoring a high 41 points, the Bucs would still find themselves outmatched by the offensive attack of the Mocs, who would end the half with 42 points of their own. Ending in a very close seven point loss, the Bucs would fall to 14-13 on the season, dropping a seventh game in conference play.
Despite the close loss, there can still be a lot to learn and improve from. Senior guard Quimari Peterson (Gary, Ind.) scored a career single game high of 31 points, 26 of which came in the nail biting second half. With the season winding down, every game becomes more and more important. The Bucs play host to the UNCG Spartans on Wednesday, Feb. 19, another great opportunity awaits for the Bucs to improve their conference standings.
For more information on the ETSU men’s basketball team, visit ETSUBucs.com.
