KNOXVILLE. --Friday was not just a good day for UTC coach Matt McCall, it was a great day for the second year head coach.
First, sophomore transfer Mekinde London (Nashville, Tenn./Xavier) was given clearance to play this season, instead of having to sit out a year due to transferring and second, the Mocs defeated Tennessee,82-69, in Knoxville in the season opener for both teams.
The NCAA informed UTC athletics department staff Friday that the 6-10 London has been cleared to play this season, granting him his request to play right away due to the fact of his father's illness.
Friday night, London donned a Mocs road uniform, scored four points with two rebounds and an assist in 16 minutes off the bench to help the Mocs (1-0) defeat the Vols in Thompson-Boling Arena before 14,483 fans.
"It was great news to hear that Mekinde is eligible to play this season and I am very appreciative of all the work done by athletics director David Blackburn and Ken Jones in our compliance department with the NCAA to get this done," said coach McCall.
Seniors Justin Tuoyo and Tre’ McLean each posted 20-10 nights leading the Mocs to the season-opening victory. The duo combined for 43 points and 21 boards in the triumph with 26 and 11 coming in the second half.
“We’ve been here before,” Tuoyo stated who had 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Mclean's totals were 21 points and 10 boards. “Basketball is a game of runs, and we have great leaders on this team that stepped up and answered when we had to tonight.”
The Mocs opened the second half with an 11-2 spurt extending its lead to 45-31 on two McLean free throws with 16:35 to go. It was an 11-point advantage when the Vols made their move. Robert Hubbs III’s dunk with 7:15 left made it a six-point affair, 60-54.
The lead was seven, 62-55, at 5:38. Chattanooga reeled off three straight scoring possessions. It started with a Johnathan Burroughs-Cook layup followed by a Tuoyo slam. Greg Pryor finished it with a layup at 3:55 to build a 13-point margin, 68-55.
“We came out with a little bit of jitters,” McLean said. “It was the first game of the season under the bright lights and in front of a great crowd. Once we gained some confidence, we started scoring points and getting into a rhythm.”
From that point on, the Mocs closed out with strong free throw shooting. They made 10 of 12 (83.3%) to slam the door on their hosts.
“It was the first game in a tough environment,” said coach Matt McCall. “To play an SEC opponent, in an environment like this, against a great team and a great head coach (Rick Barnes), and actually win the game. It’s unbelievable for your players, your program and the city of Chattanooga.
“A lot of excitement here tonight.”
Back-to-Back SEC Wins: UTC opened the 2015-16 season with a road win at Georgia on the way to a 29-6 season and the Southern Conference title.
Tuoyo’s 22 points is a career high. His 22 and 11 was buoyed by McLean’s 21 and 10. Pryor added 14 points and four rebounds, while Burroughs-Cook scored all 11 of his points in the second frame.
Tennessee was paced by Jordan Bone. The freshman had 21 in his career debut. Lamonte Turner chipped in 12 off the bench, as Hubbs tallied 11.
Good Shooting and Good "D": The Mocs shot 46.6% from the field, while holding the Vols to 32.8 percent (19-58) shooting including a meager 1-for-16 (6.3%) from 3-point range. The Mocs shot 27.8% from beyond the arc, led by Greg Pryor (3-6)
Mocs Travel to UNC Sunday: The Mocs remain on the road this weekend travelling to No. 6 North Carolina. Game time Sunday is 4 p.m., on ESPN2. A watch party is planned at Pin Strikes in Chattanooga on Perimeter Drive at the Lee Hwy exit off Hwy 153. Students bowl free from 3-4 p.m., with the first 60 receiving free shoes. There are food and drink specials as well.
The contest airs on the Mocs Sports Network via 96.1 the Legend in Chattanooga. Links to live stats, video (WatchESPN app) and audio (Mocs Sports Network) are on GoMocs.com’s men’s basketball schedule page.
Home Opener: The Mocs host Hiwassee College in their home opener next Wednesday in McKenzie Arena at 7:30 p.m.