The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s basketball team went on the road and picked up a big 75-64 win over Loyola Marymount in a battle of two of the top 25 mid-major programs in the country.
The Mocs – ranked 21st in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 – were led by David Jean-Baptiste’s 26 points, including a big 3-pointer from the top of the key with 1:24 remaining after the Lions, ranked 22nd in the same poll, had cut the lead to 61-59. The shot was followed by a steal and dunk by Darius Banks that opened the game back up, and the Mocs would knock down 9 of 10 free throws to put the game away.
Malachi Smith had 21 points, and Banks was next with seven to go along with a team-high seven rebounds.
“This is as excited as I’ve been this early in a season, not just because you win the game, but man just how the guys responded and how they enjoyed it,” UTC head coach Lamont Paris, who took the Mocs to see the Los Angeles Lakers play Monday night, said. “It’s been an awesome trip and I love coaching this team. Honestly, not everybody can say that – they’re going to say that, but they may not mean it – but I love coaching this team.”
The Mocs return home and will face UNC Asheville Sunday at 2 at McKenzie Arena.