Mocs Punch Ticket to Big Dance With Solid Showing in SoCon Tournament Final

You can call Chattanooga the city of champions.

UTC became the first school in the Southern Conference to have both their men’s and women’s basketball teams win the league’s tournament title in the same season. The men knocked off ETSU last night to earn a trip to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2009.

A good start never hurts in a title game. In the first half, Chattanooga hit 50-percent of their three’s, and 89-percent of their foul shots in going up 12 at halftime.

Said ETSU head coach Steve Forbes-“They came out and really took it to us in the first half. Give them a lot of credit. They really took us out of our offense.”

Under five minutes to play, Mocs up just two. Shot clock winding down, and Tre’ McLean bombs a three. Good night Buccaneers.

Said Forbes-“I think McLean made a huge, deep three. He has been a dagger in us all year long. He’s a helluva player. He’s a helluva player.”

Mocs claim the SoCon title with a 73-67 victory.

Said head coach Matt McCall-“Everybody take a deep breathe. Ooh. I couldn’t be prouder of this group.”

Said forward Tre’ McLean-“This right here is my new friend. (holding SoCon trophy) Me and my brothers worked hard to achieve this, and I’m happy right now. I’m very, very happy.”

Greg Pryor was named tournament MVP. He scored 13 on Monday.

Said Pryor-“I feel like I’ve grown as a player throughout any game that I have played. I learn from my mistakes.”

Now the Mocs will try to shock the world in the Big Dance.

Said Forbes-“Matt has done an unbelievable job with this team. They’re really going to represent our league in a great way in the NCAA Tournament. I think they can win a game or two. I think they’re that good.”

The Mocs will learn their NCAA Tournament destination on Sunday starting at 5:30pm with the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, which will air on News 12 Now.