Box Score
ANAHEIM, Calif.---The Chattanooga Mocs (2-3) got off to a slow start and never recovered falling 84-67 to South Alabama (4-2) in the fourth-place game at the Anaheim Classic. The hot shooting Jaguars hit 65.4 percent (17-26) of their first-half shots and held on as the Mocs could never seem to get untracked.
“I am disappointed at our defensive effort,” said Head Coach John Shulman. “They have the ability to make shots and we didn't do anything on the defensive end.”
After Stephen McDowell opened the game with a three-pointer to give the Mocs a 3-0 lead. From there, USA went on a 21-3 over 4:16 to jump out to a 21-6 advantage.
Chattanooga closed to 41-33 with 3:08 to go in the first on two free throws by Matt Gwynne. The Jaguars scored the final eight points of the half to take a 49-33 lead into the half.
The second half was more of the same for the seven minutes. USA continued to make shots and extend its lead. It led by as many as 30 before the Mocs chipped away to get the final margin to 17.
“We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves,” Shulman added. “Our biggest rivalry comes to town Wednesday in East Tennessee State and we better be ready to play.”
The Mocs were led by junior forward Nicchaeus Doaks with 19 points and six rebounds. McDowell chipped in 14 points. USA guard Domonic Tilford came off the bench to score a game-high 26 points, while guard Demetric Bennett tossed in 21 to go with six assists.
Chattanooga shot just 40.8 percent from the field and 61.3% from the free throw line. The Mocs played without senior point guard Kevin Bridgewaters who is nursing a lower leg contusion.
