In the final tune-up before the regular season begins this coming week, the UTC men's basketball team defeated Tennessee Wesleyan 103-60 Saturday night in an exhibition at the McKenzie Arena.
The Mocs took control from the outset with a 10-0 run to open and stretching the lead to 16-4 on a Josh Odem free throw with 14:29 left in the first half. After Tennessee Wesleyan cut the lead to as little as seven and trailing 25-17 at 9:16, the Mocs out-scored the Bulldogs 30-13 to take a 55-30 lead into the break.
It was more of the same in the second stanza as the Mocs cruised to the easy win.
Sophomore Ricky Taylor led all scorers with 27 points including six-of-eight shooting from three-point range. Junior college transfer Ridge McKeither had an impressive debut adding 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds as Chattanooga held a 52-33 advantage on the boards.
DeAntre Jefferson came off the bench to chip in 13 points and six rebounds, while junior Jeremy Saffore notched 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 night from the floor.
The Bulldogs were led by freshman Matt Harper with 19 points. Matt Towry added 12 points and seven boards.
Chattanooga opens its season this coming Friday welcoming Virginia Intermont to the McKenzie Arena for a 7 p.m., tipoff. The Mocs host the "Rock the Roundhouse" promotion on Tuesday, Nov. 17, as traditional rival East Tennessee State comes to town. All upper level tickets are $1 for the ETSU game and can be purchased at the McKenzie Arena box office, online at GoMocs.com or by calling 266-MOCS (6627).