UTC Mocs logoCULLOWHEE, N.C. - Fresh thoughts and observations from the Mocs' 83-81 overtime win at Western Carolina.
Opening tip
First, the Mocs earned a first-round bye to the SoCon tournament. That's quite an accomplishment considering they were picked seventh in preseason polls.
Now they've avoided Davidson until the potential championship game, and UTC's first game next Saturday will be against a team that played the night before.
That's an even bigger accomplishment.
Cardiac comebacks
UTC looked like it was going to lose at the end of regulation when Gee McGhee missed two free throws that would have given the Mocs the lead. But Martynas Bareika came through with a 3-pointer from the left wing to tie the game.
Don't forget about Casey Jones locking down WCU senior Trey Sumler on the last play of regulation.
They were dead again when the Mocs were down four with 22 ticks in overtime. Then Ronrico White hit a deep 3-pointer at the top of the key.
The Mocs pressed in the full court and were able to tie up Tom Tankelewicz -- I think it was Lance Stokes and McGhee who got their hands on the ball.
Jones hit a jumper on a play called for him putting UTC ahead 82-81.
And there were other big plays that were washed out by the highlights.
Stats STAT!
• UTC shot 8-of-16 from the 3-point line and 29-38 (76.3 percent) from the free-throw line.
• WCU hoisted 27-pointers and made 12. And no, coach Will Wade did not call for "Fire!"
• T.J. Williams played eight minutes. That's eight minutes of rest for Z. Mason.
Heading home
I took a picture of the Ocoee on the way over today. I don't think taking one on the drive home would turn out as well. You can see it at www.Twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP