Sunday was bittersweet for Jake Stephens.
Sure, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 7-footer became the first player in program history to have at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a game, but both Stephens and the Mocs fell short in some key moments in an 83-79 overtime loss to Belmont at McKenzie Arena, halting a six-game winning streak.
The Mocs (8-4) visit Georgia at 3 p.m. Wednesday — the Bulldogs are off to an 8-3 start with Sunday’s 77-62 win against Notre Dame in Atlanta — and then have a week off from competition before starting Southern Conference play at The Citadel on Dec. 29.
Free-throw shooting proved to be a big difference Sunday, as the Mocs were 12-for-22 at the charity stripe, compared to the Bruins (7-5) making 13 of 14 tries. Stephens was 5-for-8, the blemish on what otherwise was a ridiculous stat line with 32 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and three steals.
UTC also turned the ball over 18 times, leading to 17 Belmont points.