By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Rebounding proved to be the difference maker Tuesday evening, as the Chattanooga Mocs (8-2) defeated the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team (7-4) in The McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn., 80-69.
Chattanooga corralled 38 rebounds in the contest, 13 more than the Golden Eagles, allowing for 13 second chance points. Between that and the team's red-hot shooting percentage from downtown, Tech found itself in a 23-point hole towards the middle of the second half.
The Golden Eagles knocked down its own share of shots from downtown, particularly late in the second half. Led by Hakeem Rogers, Tech connected five times from after the deficit reached 23, trimming the lead down to 11. The comeback came too late, however, as the Mocs held on for the victory.
The Mocs connected on 50 percent of their shots from the field, including a scorching 60 percent from 3-point range. Tech nearly matched its opponent's production, firing 48.1 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Rogers led the Golden Eagle scoring effort, dropping a game-high and career-best 21 points thanks to 5-for-8 shooting from downtown and 8-for-14 shooting overall. He also notched two steals and a block while playing 24 minutes.
Ryan Martin tallied 16 points and six rebounds over 38 minutes of action while Anthony Morse just missed out on his second double-double of the year, posting 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Aleksa Jugovic connected on four of his eight three-point attempts and finished the contest with 14 points and three assists.
Chattanooga saw four players of its own tally double figures in scoring, led by Tre' McLean with 19 points and eight rebounds. Greg Pryor added 17 points and five assists while Eric Robertson tallied 15 points and three steals. Johnathan Burroughs-Cook wrapped up play with 14 points.
The Golden Eagles return home after a three-game road stint Friday evening, completing a doubleheader with the Tech women's team by hosting Miami (OH) at 7:30 p.m. CST.
Photo by Andy Mitchell
