0
0
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — No. 1-seeded Chattanooga demonstrated why it finished atop the Southern Conference standings with a balanced offensive attack and disruptive defense Thursday, topping Western Carolina 66–47 in a Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinal at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center. The Mocs controlled the game from the opening minutes and never trailed en route to a trip to the semifinals. (gomocs.com)
Chattanooga’s victory was built on early scoring bursts and a defensive identity that limited Western Carolina’s opportunities. The Mocs jumped out quickly and maintained a lead through every quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into points to keep their advantage comfortable beyond the opening period. (gomocs.com)
Mocs Jump Out Early, Build Lead
Chattanooga set the tone quickly. After trading early buckets, Gianna Corbitt heated up from long range, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter that gave Chattanooga a decisive edge. Corbitt’s hot shooting lifted the Mocs to a 19-11 lead at the end of one, and her confidence from deep kept Western Carolina’s defense on its heels early. (gomocs.com)
Corbitt finished with 20 points, connecting efficiently on multiple deep looks and showcasing the kind of perimeter threat that has made her one of Chattanooga’s key scorers this season. (gomocs.com)
Behind Corbitt, Chattanooga’s role players provided meaningful contributions. Ava Card scored 11 points, including an offensive rebound and layup that extended the lead early in the second quarter, while Kalifa Ford added 11 points and hit key shots from the wing to keep the Mocs ahead. Sarah Owona chipped in with six points and two three-pointers, helping open up the Chattanooga offense. (gomocs.com)
Meanwhile, Western Carolina battled inside and fought to limit miscues, but the Catamounts struggled offensively in the second quarter, scoring just eight points. Chattanooga’s defensive rotations forced multiple turnovers, and those possessions translated into easy points in transition for the Mocs. (gomocs.com)
Steady Control Through Second Half
By halftime, Chattanooga had opened a double-digit lead and carried its momentum into the second half. The Mocs continued to make open shots and stayed disciplined with ball movement, forcing Western Carolina into contested attempts. In the third quarter, Chattanooga’s defense repeatedly got stops and turnovers, turning them into transition buckets that helped the lead grow. (gomocs.com)
The Catamounts responded with valiant effort and flashes of competitiveness. Guard Ally Hollifield, who led Western Carolina in scoring this season, worked through contact to score in the lane and earn trips to the free throw line. Forward Grace Pack battled for rebounds and provided scoring inside, keeping the Catamounts within range for stretches even as Chattanooga maintained its edge. (espn.com)
But Chattanooga’s size and offensive balance made a comeback difficult. Every time Western Carolina cut into the lead, the Mocs had an answer — whether it was a three from Corbitt, a midrange jumper from Ford, or a layup in transition. That consistency propelled Chattanooga to a 25-14 third-quarter advantage and preserved its double-digit lead heading into the final quarter. (gomocs.com)
Catamounts Fight, But Mocs Close Out
In the fourth quarter, Western Carolina continued to battle with hustle plays and timely baskets, but Chattanooga’s early success and depth proved decisive. The Mocs finished strong, maintaining composure on both ends of the court and closing out the 66–47 victory. (gomocs.com)
Western Carolina finished the season with a 3–26 record, but the Catamounts never quit, showcasing effort and flashes of offensive promise throughout the game. Hollifield and Pack both provided leadership and key scoring moments, even against a disciplined Chattanooga defense. (espn.com)
Standout Performers
Chattanooga Mocs
- Gianna Corbitt: 20 points, 6-of-9 three-point shooting; sparked early Mocs runs. (gomocs.com)
- Ava Card: 11 points, 6 rebounds; scored inside and in transition. (gomocs.com)
- Kalifa Ford: 11 points, 3 rebounds; hit timely jumpers from the wing. (gomocs.com)
- Sarah Owona: 6 points, 2 three-pointers, 4 rebounds; contributed to spacing and ball movement. (gomocs.com)
Western Carolina Catamounts
- Ally Hollifield: 13 points, 10 rebounds; led the team with a double-double. (espn.com)
- Grace Pack: 13 points, 10 rebounds; also recorded a double-double and scored key points inside. (espn.com)
- Christina Bowers: 6 points, 5 rebounds; contributed off the bench with hustle plays. (espn.com)
- Ary Dizon: 2 points, 1 rebound; provided minutes as a starter. (espn.com)
What’s Next
Chattanooga advances to the Southern Conference Tournament semifinals, where it will face the winner of the Furman vs. Mercer quarterfinal matchup Friday at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center. For the Mocs, the victory highlighted efficient shooting, defensive tenacity, and balanced scoring — key ingredients as they pursue a SoCon title. (gomocs.com)
Western Carolina ends its season after a hard-fought effort against the top seed, with the Catamounts’ competitive spirit on display despite the score. (espn.com)
About the Author
