University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Chattanooga
Men’s basketball visits Chattanooga for non-conference clash Sunday
11.13.2021 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville men's basketball returns to the court for a tough road test at SoCon-favorite Chattanooga. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. eastern time.
Coke Zero Sugar Classic
The game, which will be the home opener for Chattanooga, will also tip off the multi-team event hosted by the Mocs. The Coke Zero Sugar Classic will feature Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech and UNC Asheville, with the Bulldogs returning to McKenzie Arena on Thursday to face the Golden Eagles at 7:00 p.m.
How to Follow
If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it live on ESPN+ and follow the live stats here.
Last Time Out
The Bulldogs had their home opener on Thursday night, dispatching Brevard College 101-44. Six players reached double figures as UNC Asheville knocked down the second-most 3-pointers in the Morrell era (17) and were just two shy of tying the program record of 19. The team hauled in 46 rebounds, which is the highest total since 2018, posting the largest margin of victory since 2016.
3-Point Threats
In the victory over Brevard, the senior sharpshooting-duo of Tajion Jones and Coty Jude combined for 31 points, all via the three ball. Additionally, Luke Lawson, Drew Pember and Jordan Hairston all connected from behind the arc, while graduate transfer Quay Kimble went 4-for-7 from 3-point range. Asheville has been efficient from the floor so far, shooting 48.2 percent from behind the arc and 49.2 percent from the floor. Through Friday, UNC Asheville's 27 made 3-pointers rank second in all of Division I, ranking 18th in 3-pointers per game (13.5) and 25th in 3-point field goal percentage.
Scouting Chattanooga
The Mocs have played just one game thus far, topping Loyola Marymount 75-64. Graduate guard David Jean-Baptiste and sophomore guard Malachi Smith showed why they were selected Preseason All-SoCon, scoring 26 and 21 points, respectively. Chattanooga, who was selected by both the Southern Conference Coaches and media to win the league this season, is guided by Lamont Paris who is in his fifth year at the helm. Returning four of five starters and eight players overall, the Mocs added transfers Silvio De Sousa (Kansas) and Avery Diggs (UCF) to solidify their post presence. Last season, Chattanooga went 18-8 overall and 9-7 in league play.
Series History
Although Chattanooga hasn't lost in the series (8-0 all-time), six of the eighth matchups have been decided by eight points or less. Under Morrell, the Bulldogs have taken the Mocs down to the wire the past two seasons, falling 68-64 in 2019-20 and coming up just short 69-66 last year in McKenzie Arena. Four Bulldogs reached double figures in that contest, with LJ Thorpe's 14 points leading the way, while Smith totaled 15 for the Mocs. The Bulldogs struggled from downtown (6-for-20), but were strong on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 37-33.
