The Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball team is set to wrap up its two-game California road trip as they take on perennial West Coast Conference contender Saint Mary's (CA) on Thursday night. After a tough opening-night loss to USC, the Mocs will look to bounce back against the formidable Gaels in a nationally televised matchup on ESPN+.

Mocs Seek Redemption After Tough USC Defeat

Mocs Stumble in Season Opener

The Chattanooga Mocs faced a daunting task to start the 2024-25 season, traveling to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans. Despite a game-high 17 points from junior guard Honor Huff, the Mocs struggled mightily, shooting just 27.8% from the field and 17.6% from beyond the arc in a 77-51 defeat. The team's shooting woes were the lowest totals of the Dan Earl era, and the ninth-lowest in program history.

Huff Reaches Milestone, Extends Shooting Streak

Despite the lopsided loss, there were some bright spots for the Mocs. Huff surpassed the 900-point mark for his NCAA Division I career, showcasing his scoring prowess. Additionally, the team extended its streak of games with at least five made three-pointers to 69 contests, the second-longest active streak in Division I basketball.

Bonham Returns, Earns Preseason Honors

The Mocs will be led by senior guard Trey Bonham, who returns for his final collegiate season after briefly entering the transfer portal. Bonham was named the Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year after averaging 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season while shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.

Huff Primed for Another Standout Season

Alongside Bonham, junior guard Honor Huff will be a key contributor for the Mocs. Huff was one of the nation's top three-point shooters a year ago, knocking down 109 triples, the seventh-best total in the country and the third-most in a single season in Chattanooga history. Huff earned Preseason All-Conference Team honors and will form one of the best mid-major backcourt duos in the country with Bonham.

Mocs Look to Bounce Back Against Gaels

After the tough opening-night defeat, the Mocs will have a chance to redeem themselves against a formidable opponent in Saint Mary's. The Gaels are perennial contenders in the West Coast Conference and will provide a significant challenge for the Mocs. Chattanooga will need to find its shooting touch and defensive intensity to pull off the upset on the road.