UTC Hoops: Notebook: Mocs Top Marshall – The Rivalry is Back

  • Wednesday, December 7, 2016
  • B.B. Branton

Senior Tre’ McLean scored a career-high 35 points, UTC beat an old rival, Mocs fans (3,064 announced attendance) came out to cheer and support, Toys for Tots folks received lots of gifts for needy kids and all in all it was an excellent night at McKenzie Arena.

High-scoring, talented Marshall came to town Tuesday looking for a win and to rekindle a long time rivalry from the old Southern Conference days.

But the host Mocs had other ideas and the Blue and Gold delighted the hometown crowd with a 96-85 win at McKenzie.

Now They Understand: Last week the UTC players were not aware of the past rivalry between UTC and Mashall (UTC led 28-19 prior to Tuesday’s game).

But after Tuesday’s come-from-behind victory against the Thundering Herd they have a better understanding of what it means to lots of folks to beat the West Virginia team.

Down 13 But Stayed Connected: Marshall led 38-25 at 3:49 of the first half, but coach Matt McCall told his players to stay connected and believe we can win. “We didn’t get disconnected and made stops and made baskets when we needed them down the stretch.

“We didn’t get distracted … I am proud of our team.”

The Mocs went on a 35-21 run from late in the first half to the 10:41 mark of the second for a 60-59 lead on a pair of McLean free throws. Marshall did tie the game at 70-70 on an Elmore basket, but Tuoyo put the Mocs ahead to stay at 72-70.

Stats Winners: The Mocs won the battle on the boards (33-29), had more steals (11-5), less turnovers (17-13), and a key down the stretch was more free throws – 27-22 overall and 22 made in the final 40 minutes.

Fatigue a Factor: “Fatigue was a factor against them and they played into our hands,” said coach McCall.

He noted that four of their starters played 29 minutes or more while UTC reserves had 19 or more minutes and only Justin Tuoyo (34) and Tre McLean (38) played more than 30 minutes.

“Down the stretch, we got great stops and baskets when we needed them.”

 Perfect Late: McCall is 7-0 this season and 30-0 overall in two seasons with a lead in the final five minutes.

Kudos to Marshall: “Elmore (27 pts., 12 assists, 9 boards), Loop (10) and Browning (11) … “those three backcourt players are terrific … they are going to win a lot of games in Conference USA,” coach McCall stated.  

Second Half Free Throws: After Tuoyo was 0-5 in free throw attempts in the first half, coach McLain asked his senior center how many free throws he had made in his career. “Several” said the 6-10 veteran.  So in the second half, he re-focused and made 5 of 6 from the charity stripe, plus 5 for 5 from the field for 16 points.

“I was down on myself at half, but I came out in the second half with a vengeance.”

Coaches Comments:

On Nat Dixon (6-4 guard, Panama City, Fla) 1 pt, 1 steal 3 boards in 19 minutes … “Nat led the state of Florida in scoring in high school, but we have so much fire power out there he really relishes his role (defense) and wants to be great in that role.

“I will go to war with that kid.”

On Casey Jones (6-5 guard/forward – 12 pts, 4 boards) ... he has so much focus on defense …. He makes everyone else around him better.”

On Tre’ McLean (6-5 G/F - 35 pts, 5 boards, 5 steals, 1 block) … “He’s terrific … he is everything you want in a player … he is wired the right way ... he completely puts winning first … he kept our team composed …

High Praise: “Tre’ McLean is one of the best to ever come through this program.”

McLean’s Comments: “Tonight was my night … we bring intensity and preach defense … get stops and the offense will come …  I love playing here and our fans are loyal … I told my teammates (at halftime) that we might be down, but we’re only going to get this opportunity once to come out and play against this team with these fans out here tonight.”

Game Atmosphere:  Coach McCall said … ”By far the best atmosphere this season … the students were there … great crowd ... this was a fun game to be part of.”

“Our crowd was unbelievable,” said Tuoyo.

Important Game: We needed a game like this … SoCon games will be like this every night … it’s all about getting better every day.”

What’s Next: A few days off for the players to take exams then host Tenn. Wesleyan (Dec. 14) at noon and Jacksonville (Ala.) (Dec. 21) at 2 p.m. before heading home for Christmas.

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net

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