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The ETSU Bucs hosted UTC Mocs on February 11th, at 7pm. Freedom Hall was packed with 4854 in attendance, and a national broadcast on CBS. The Bucs coming into this matchup were 18-7 overall, and 10-2 in SoCon play. The Mocs arrived at Freedom Hall with a record of 10-14 overall, and 4-8 in SoCon play.
First Half Battle
The Bucs in the first half had a solid back and forth with the Mocs, struggling to be consistent in rebounds, making the 3’s, and maintaining the lead. With 6 lead changes in the first half, The Bucs would need to refocus on ball control, which has seemed to become a trend for The Bucs in the first half over the season as a whole.
The Mocs and Bucs were neck and neck with stats however. The Mocs shot for 33% for FG’s, 23% for 3’s, and 85% for FT’s. The Bucs shot at 30% for FG’s, 23% for 3’s, and 69% for FT’s.
Second Half Shoot Off
Coming off of halftime, the Bucs seemed to immediately shift gears and maintain control of the court. With only 2 lead changes in the second half, The Bucs proved Coach Savage right. When they maintain control of the ball, they are good. The Mocs once behind, were able to catch up at moments in the second, but couldn’t outlast The Bucs and get ahead on the scoreboard for more than 16 seconds at 16:37.
In the second half, shooting was still a sore point for both Bucs and Mocs. Mocs shot 46% for FG’s, 36% for 3’s, and 80% for FT’s. On the other side of the scoreboard, The Bucs shot for 50% for FG’s, 28% for 3’s, and 79% for FT’s.
Stats on Stats on Stats, and a Career Game for McCullum
Man oh man, this game was one for the books for Jordan McCullum. Spending 32 minutes on the court, McCullum made 24 points, 7-12 FG’s, 2-5 3’s, 8-9 FT’s, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. This was a major factor in how The Bucs controlled the court in the second half, and kept momentum to ultimately sweep The Mocs this season. More standouts for The Bucs were Cam Morris III with 11 points, and 3 blocks and 2 steals, and Blake Barkley with 11 points as well and 1 steal.
Meanwhile, some contributors for The Mocs were Jordan Frison with 15 points, with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Another game time leader was Tate Darner with 13 points and 6 rebounds as well.
What’s Next?
The Bucs host Samford on February 14th, with a Noon Tipoff at Freedom Hall. Can The Bucs keep the SoCon lead? Tune in to ESPN+ to find out.
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