The Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball team put up a valiant effort against national powerhouse Saint Mary's (CA), but ultimately fell short, dropping a hard-fought 86-74 decision on the road. Despite missing several key players, the Mocs showcased their resilience and fought back from a double-digit halftime deficit, but the Gaels proved to be too much for the shorthanded squad.

Mocs Refuse to Back Down Against Formidable Opponent

Slow Start, But Mocs Refuse to Quit

The Mocs found themselves trailing 39-29 at the halftime break, but they refused to go down without a fight. Led by the efforts of Honor Huff and Trey Bonham, Chattanooga responded with a 16-4 run to start the second half, tying the game at 45-45 and forcing Saint Mary's to call a timeout. The Mocs' ability to quickly erase the deficit and make it a close game showcased their determination and unwillingness to be outmatched.

Gaels Prove Too Tough in the End

Despite the Mocs' valiant efforts, Saint Mary's ultimately proved to be too much for the shorthanded squad. The Gaels went on a crucial 12-2 run in the middle portion of the second half, creating enough separation to secure the victory. Chattanooga's defense struggled to contain the Gaels' balanced attack, as four different Saint Mary's players reached double figures in scoring.

Mocs' Offensive Efficiency Shines

While the Mocs fell short on the scoreboard, their offensive performance was a bright spot. Four different Chattanooga players reached double-digit scoring, led by a career-high 19 points from Makai Richards. The team shot an impressive 50.9% from the field, including a blistering 61.5% in the second half. Their ability to share the ball and limit turnovers, with 19 assists and just 9 turnovers, showcased the Mocs' offensive prowess.

Mocs' Resilience and Growth Evident

Head coach Dan Earl was proud of the fight and growth his team displayed against the formidable Gaels. Despite the loss, the Mocs demonstrated their ability to compete against a nationally-ranked opponent, a testament to their resilience and the progress they've made since their season-opening defeat. Earl acknowledged the team's need for continued improvement, but was encouraged by the team's competitive spirit and the positive steps they've taken.The Chattanooga Mocs may have fallen short against Saint Mary's, but their performance on the court proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. With their offensive efficiency, defensive tenacity, and unwavering determination, the Mocs have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the nation. As they continue to grow and develop, the Mocs will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the coming season.