Mocs Fall on Last Second Three by the Citadel

(soconsports.com)

 – Senior forward Sola Adebisi capped a memorable game with a fantastic shot, hitting a 26-foot 3-pointer that broke a tie with under 10 seconds left and gave No. 9 seed The Citadel an 88-85 win over No. 8 Chattanooga in the opening game of the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Friday night at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville.

The win was the first in the SoCon Tournament for The Citadel since 2022. The Bulldogs advanced to the quarterfinals where they will play No. 1 seed ETSU on Saturday at noon.

During a game that had 21 lead changes, Adebisi finished a 26-point night with the final 3-pointer coming just left of the top of the key.

Following two timeouts, Chattanooga’s Collin Mullholland missed a 3-point attempt from the top of the key that would have tied the game.

Adebisi, who came into the game averaging 9.0 points per game, made 9-of-15 field-goal attempts, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and five free throws. He also led The Citadel with seven rebounds.

The two teams both put on an impressive offensive show as each shot better than 50 percent overall. The Bulldogs were 32-of-59 (54.2 percent) and 15-of-31 (48.4 percent) on 3-point tries. Chattanooga made 33-of-59 attempts (55.9 percent) and was 11-of-25 (44 percent) on 3-pointers.

The Citadel had four players in double figures, including reserve guard Keynan Davis, who made 6-of-8 3-point attempts and finished with 20 points.

Chattanooga had five players in double figures led by Tate Darner and Jordan Frison with 16 points each.

The score was tied 49-49 at halftime. The Citadel began the second half hot, building a 66-56 lead before the Mocs rallied. The Mocs led 81-77 with 3:35 left, but the Bulldogs battled back. There were four lead changes and one tie before Adebisi’s winning shot in the final seconds.