When Furman coach Jeff Jackson exited McKenzie Arena a couple of weeks ago, he hinted that fatigue might have been a factor in the Paladins’ 16-point loss to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Too bad the Mocs couldn’t use that same excuse for Saturday night’s rematch in the Southern Conference tournament quarterfinals.
Obviously well-rested (they hadn’t played in a week), seemingly motivated – “We’re in it to win it,” Mocs coach John Shulman had proclaimed a few days earlier – UTC displayed neither poise nor polish in losing 61-52 to the Paladins, who were playing their second game in 24 hours.
Playing on the same floor and baskets they’ve used almost every day in practice since Oct. 15 and through 15 home games, the Mocs missed 14 of 29 free throws (52 percent), 15 of 20 3-pointers (25 percent) and 35 of 51 field goals overall (31.4 percent).
“I’m really disappointed,” said Shulman, no doubt echoing the feelings of most within the Mocs Nation. “We didn’t play.”