The Chattanooga Mocs used an historic-type performance from grad transfer Thomas Smallwood to run away with a 92-61 triumph over Cumberland. Smallwood had his first collegiate double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds, tying for fourth-most in McKenzie Arena history.
The Phoenix hung around with the Mocs for the better part of 32 minutes. Kareem Wright’s free throw with 8:12 remaining cut the home team’s advantage to 10, 61-51.
Chattanooga bolted with a quick 9-0 spurt to get the lead to 19, 70-51, on two Smallwood free throws at 6:15.
The run extended to 22-4 over four-plus minutes after a Donovann Toatley free throw made it 83-55 for the good guys.
Keigan Kerby’s 3pt with 1:59 left made it a 31-point affair, 88-57. It reached its largest margin of 33 twice. Once on a Justin Brown layup and later on two Toatley free throws. Brandon Levier closed the scoring with a layup at the buzzer for the final 31-point spread, 92-61.
Kevin Easley tied Smallwood for game-high scoring honors with 18 points. Toatley added 12 as both freshmen contributed four assists. Ty Sean Powell led three Phoenix in double figures with 15.