Mocs Seek Another Road Win Against an SEC Team in Tennessee to Start Their Season

Last year the Mocs basketball team opened their season with a road win over Georgia. That got UTC rolling on their way to a SoCon title and a school record number of victories.
The Mocs hope to follow the same script tomorrow night as they once again open their season on the road against an SEC team in Tennessee.
As the Mocs get ready for Tennessee, coach Matt McCall has been warning his guys not to hang their hats on last year’s historic season.
Said head coach Matt McCall:”Like I told our team all summer, we’re not sneaking up on anyone, especially with the amount of guys that we have coming back. Last year is last year, but last year to our opponents is putting a big target on our back.”
Said guard Greg Pryor:”Coach always says fighting the demons. The demon that you know you accomplished a lot last year and just not coming in complacent.”
Said forward Casey Jones:”I don’t think it’s the talent that makes us so confident. I think it’s the cohesiveness of our group. Just the way that we play together is what makes us confident.”
Chattanooga returns plenty of experience from a club that won 29 games last year, while Tennessee has eight freshmen.
Reporter:”Is that kind of your biggest concern? Their experience versus some of the new faces for you.”
Said Vols head coach Rick Barnes:”Well I think obviously you look at our team early in the year. Yeah we don’t have any experience other than you guys know Robert (Hubbs) and Lew (Evans) has been around, but he has moved in the system. Detrick (Mostella). That’s our experience really.”
While the Vols are young, Coach McCall says they are talented, they’ll bring the heat on defense.
Said McCall:”Our point guards are going to have to handle pressure all night long from when the ball is inbounded up the length of the floor. Can we take care of the ball and keep them out of transition will be the biggest keys for us.”
Friday will be the 39th meeting between the in-state schools.
Said McCall:”I don’t necessarily know about a rivalry, but I think the first game of the season, there’s always a level of excitement because there are so many unknowns. Where does the season go? Where does it take you? How good can this team be? I think that’s the same case up there.”
The Vols and Mocs tip at 7pm Friday at Thompson Boling Arena.