Chattanooga Mocs know their foes

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s basketball team had two guest speakers at practice Friday.

They could be considered special guest speakers if not for the fact they communicate with the Mocs through Facebook and texting almost every day.

Former Mocs Casey Long and Keddric Mays addressed the Mocs on the topic of playing in the SoCon championship game, and Long spoke about playing in the NCAA tournament.

“They talked to us about the feeling, playing in the championship and how it feels to win the championship and the respect that comes with it,” senior Stephen McDowell said. “We want a chance to experience it.”

Ricky Hood, who played with Long on the 2005 championship squad, is scheduled to address the team this morning.

“I thought that it was important for our guys to hear Casey, and Keddric flew in for the tournament,” coach John Shulman said. “Casey played in three championship games and went to the NCAA tournament.

“I tried to get in touch with (Charles Anderson), but he doesn’t talk.”

The first obstacle preventing UTC from reaching Monday’s SoCon final is Elon, which dispatched Wofford 62-55 on Friday night.

The game will be a rematch from the 2008 quarterfinal game that Elon won 60-57.

“I would think ... that would put a little fear in us,” Shulman said. “They took our heart; they took our dream.”

Phoenix forward Brett James said twice after their victory over Wofford that he’s confident they will win.

“We’ve got one game under our belt. This will be their first game in the tournament, and I’m sure they’ll come out tight,” James said. “Yeah, I definitely think we’ll win.”