MOCS HOOPS
' UTC VS. CUMBERLAND
' McKENZIE ARENA
' TONIGHT AT 7
' RADIO: 96.1 FM
UTC (1-1)
Projected starters: Ht. Pts.
G Donovann Toatley 5-9 13.0
G Jonathan Scott 6-4 6.0
G Jerry Johnson 6-1 12.0
F Kevin Easley 6-6 17.5
F Thomas Smallwood 7-0 13.0
Key reserves:
G Maurice Commander 6-0 11.0
G David Jean-Baptiste 6-1 8.0
Cumberland (5-0)
Projected starters: Ht. Pts.
G Kareem Wright 6-1 4.2
G Shamari Denson 5-11 11.0
G Andrew Rogan 6-5 17.4
F Isaac Stephens 6-6 8.4
F Ty Sean Powell 6-8 15.2
Key reserves:
G Deiontay Walters 5-10 8.2
G Tranard Chester 6-5 7.8
Mocs report
The Mocs held a lead early in Saturday's game against Eastern Kentucky but were unable to contain forward Nick Mayo, who scored 40 points, and fell 81-78 after a potential game-tying attempt by Toatley was off at the buzzer. Turnovers plagued the Mocs, who had 20 miscues leading to 18 EKU points.
Phoenix report
The NAIA program is off to a 5-0 start this season, not counting a 33-point exhibition loss to UT-Martin on Nov. 6. The Phoenix are similar to Eastern Kentucky in that they like to pressure full court, forcing an average of 18.6 turnovers a game. But they commit 18.8 a game themselves.
Key matchup
Although the Phoenix won't employ the same level of athletes as the Mocs saw Saturday, they will present a similar challenge with pressure. The Mocs didn't handle that well at times, so tonight will be a chance to see if they've improved. As a young team, UTC needs all the different looks it can get: Tonight will be a good chance for that.
- Gene Henley