Box Score

CULLOWHEE, N.C.---Riding a strong first-half performance, Western Carolina (7-15/3-9) upset Chattanooga (14-9/9-4) 70-64 in the Ramsey Center.  Despite a furious second-half charge, UTC could neither overcome the sluggish beginning, nor its 20 turnovers on the evening.

The Mocs continued their penchant for slow starts as the Catamounts, paced by Eric Wilson's 10 points, claimed the lead and never looked back in the first half.  WCU hit five three-pointers in the half to jump to a 33-19 advantage.  The 19 points tied for a season low for the Mocs (SIU ? 11/22).

Freshman guard Stephen McClellan scored eight to spark a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 38-32 with 15:44 to play.  The Mocs closed to one point, 51-50, on a Kevin Bridgewaters three-pointer with 7:00 left on the clock.

Catamount sophomore Brandon Giles hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead back to seven with 6:30 remaining.  With 3:37 left, Kevin Goffney completed a three-point play to cut the margin to 59-56.    The Mocs would close to within a point three times, but never got over the hump.

Chattanooga was led by junior guard Stephen McDowell with 15 points.  Kevin Bridgewaters added 13 points and three assists, while Nicchaeus Doaks had 11 points.  Marcus Watts had 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Giles led the Catamounts with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists.  Wilson chipped in 13 points to go with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

The Mocs return home Thursday to host the Furman Paladins with a 7 p.m., tipoff in the McKenzie Arena.