ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jasmine Joyner said she and her University of Tennessee at Chattanooga teammates had “nerves” early in their Southern Conference quarterfinal contest against Western Carolina.
If so, there were no obvious signs at any point of Thursday’s game.
The Mocs used a 16-0 run to build a 22-point lead after one quarter. They took a 34-point lead into halftime and cruised to an 85-41 victory at the U.S. Cellular Center.
The 85 points were the second-highest total in UTC’s four seasons under coach Jim Foster. The Mocs made 11 3-point shots, the program’s most since 12 against UNC Greensboro on Jan. 19, 2015.
Jasmine Joyner and Shelbie Davenport scored 14 points each to lead the Mocs (19-10), who face UNCG this morning at 11. Joyner added nine rebounds and five blocks. Chelsey Shumpert scored 12 points and was one of three players – Aryanna Gilbert and Davenport being the others – to make multiple 3-pointers.