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The last home game of the season for The Bucs means one thing, Senior Night. Already crowned the SoCon Season Champs, the last thing standing between ETSU and Asheville is this home matchup against Wofford, and a trip down to Mercer to seal the deal. Wofford (18-11 overall, 10-6 SoCon) is currently tied with Mercer for 2nd. Additionally Coach Kevin Giltner has a bid for SoCon Coach of the Year, as well as Bucs Coach, Brooks Savage.
First Half
Allen Strothers, Brian Taylor II, Blake Barkley, Cam Morris III and Jordan McCullum on the court for tipoff. For the Terriers starting out is Cayden Vasko, Chace Watley, Kahmare Holmes, Nils Machowski, and Rex Stirling.
Starting out scoreless and down 8. The Bucs needed some energy, and that’s what they got with a 3 from Maki Johnson, and a score in the paint from Strothers. This energy remained consistent with both Wofford and ETSU who went back and forth fighting for the lead. What was successful for The Bucs in the first half were rebounds (specifically defensive rebounds), blocks, and steals. For instance, in the final 40 seconds of the first half Strother stole the ball, passed it off to Maki Johnson to make a layup pushing The Bucs to a 37-33 lead.
Bucs leaders of the first half were Barkley, McCullum, and Johnson. Barkley went 2-3 on FG’s, 5-6 on FT’s, with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. McCullum added 8 points to the scoreboard going 3-5 on FG’s, 2-2 on FT’s, with 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Maki Johnson was a key leader as well, shooting 3-4 on FG’s, 1-2 on 3’s, with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Second Half Shootout
Coming back from the half, The Bucs maintained the lead to keep the Terriers at bay until 6:12 left in the contest. Early on in the second, ETSU struggled with shooting outside the arc. At 11:30 left, The Bucs were 0-4 on 3’s. The Bucs continued their defensive rebound dominance, with 10 of 12 being from defense through 6:35.
Things took a turn for the worst as the half progresses. The Bucs allowing 3’s by Wofford, and fouling unnecessarily gave the Terriers a lead again. The Bucs in the final minute of the game were able to tie it up, but a foul on Taylor gave the Terriers the FT’s needed to win out.
4 players for ETSU scored 7 points a piece. Taylor, Barkley, Morris III and McCullum all scored 7 points, while Johnson and Smith scored 2 points each. The Bucs ended the contest shooting 53% of FG’s, 15% for 3’s, and 59% from the FT line. The Bucs also completed 35 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5 steals and 13 assists. The second half ended with Wofford going home with a win at Freedom Hall, 72-69.
Senior Night & SoCon Champs
Even with a loss, the night was a success for The Bucs. Honoring all of the Seniors for ETSU, and cutting the net as SoCon Season Champs. Was a joyous moment witnessing this team that has worked so hard reap the benefits of their grit, determination, and dedication to their program, their school, and to their teammates.
The Last Stop before AVL
Next and final matchup for The Bucs is Saturday, February 28th. The Bucs drive down to Macon, GA to play Mercer at Hawkins Arena, with a 4:30pm EST tipoff. You can catch the action on ESPN+.
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