UTC needed late game baskets against No.23 Indiana Thursday at McKenzie Arena, but also needed defensive stops.
The Mocs (1-2) got six points from Keiana Gilbert in the last 2:12 in the 79-76 loss to the visiting Hoosiers (3-0), but the collective Blue and Gold did not get the needed stops to have a chance to tie the game or take the lead late.
"In the last five minutes we needed to get stops, but didn't," said UTC coach Jim Foster.
"We were making baskets, but so were they."
Thanks to baskets by Gilbert at 1:22 and with 44 seconds remaining, UTC trailed by just one at 75-74 and 77-76, but the Hoosiers kept the home team at arms length with a pair of free throws at the one minute mark (77-74) and a jumper by Alexis Gassion with 22 ticks on the clock to make it 79-76 and a last second Mocs 3-point attempt to tie the game in regulation was off the mark and the Hoosiers had the road win.
Coach Foster said," We have got to get better at the little things and play better defense."
Last Time Back-to-Back Home Losses:The Mocs lost back-to-back home games against Tennessee and Auburn early in the 2004-05 season.
What's Next: Busy 11 Days:
Mocs leave Friday to play in the Naismith Hall of Fame Tournament in Louisville.
All games broadcast o 96.1 FM
Sat. Nov.. 19 - UTC vs. Lafayette College, 2 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 20 - UTC vs. Bowling Green, 2 p.m.
Mon. Nov, 21- UTC vs. host Louisville, 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Nov, 25 UTC hosts Wisconsin-Green Bay
Sun. Nov, 27 - UTC vs. Maine in Springfield, Mass.
Tues. Nov. 29 - UTC at UConn
Stats From Indiana Game:
FG%: Indiana (51.7% - 46.6%)
3-Pointers: both teams had 8
FT%: UTC (82.4% - 60.0%)
Rebounds: UTC, 33-31
Assists: Indiana, 18-10
Turnovers Against: UTC, 10-6
Points in the Paint: IU, 46-36
Points Off Turnovers: IU, 14-6
2nd Chance Points: UTC, 12-2
Bench Points: IU, 22-15
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net