Dins vs Mocs in the Semi Finals
Preview
We have the #1 seed Chattanooga Mocs versus #5 seed Furman Paladins in the semi-finals of the Southern Conference Tournament from Asheville, NC. Furman had an offensive output from Nick Anderson, PJay Smith, Jr., and Tom House last night with each scoring twenty plus points. Chattanooga comes off a win versus Mercer where the game was only a two-point difference at halftime. It should be one heck of a semi-final day in the Southern Conference.
First Half Highlights
Furman controls the opening tip and gets an alley oop to Cooper Bowser to begin the scoring. Chattanooga starts zero for two as we start to settle in. Cooper Bowser gets a block, and Furman forces a turnover two minutes into the game. Hien gets a mismatch and drives for two, then converts a three pointer on the next possession. Huff for Chattanooga has made three 3-pointers for Chattanooga and the game is tied at the first media timeout 9-9. Chattanooga goes on a 7-0 run to take a 16-9 lead with 11:44 to go in the first half. Chattanooga has an 18-11 lead erased with a PJay Smith, Jr and Nick Anderson three pointer, along with a Garret Hien dunk. Furman back out front 19-18 with 8:55 to go. PJay Smith, Jr with another three-pointer to bring the lead to 22-18 Furman over Chattanooga. This game has gone bonkers the last few minutes with fouls called, no fouls called, charges and a missed defensive assignment. Honor Huff hits a three when no one picks him up, Chattanooga leads 28-27 with 3:24 to go in the first half. Huff hits another three, House hits two free throws and we are locked in at 31-31 with 1:58 to play. PJay Smith, Jr nails a three pointer to make the score 35-34 Chattanooga leads the Paladins.
2nd Half Highlights
Hien and VanderWal opening the scoring in the second half for the Paladins. This is going to be an amazing second half. Nick Anderson hits a smooth pull up jumper in the lane and Furman leads 43-41 with 16:10 to go in the game. Check that, Nick Anderson hits a step back three as well to bring the lead to 46-41 with a media timeout, after a Chattanooga turnover. Charles Johnston, and PJay Smith, Jr. scores a few baskets extending the Furman lead to 8 with 12:20 to go in the second half. Furman has a spell with a few costly turnovers that allows Chattanooga to tie the game at 55 with 8:54 to go in the game. Chattanooga’s Bonham drives the lane and gives the Mocs a two-point lead with 7:15 to go in the game. Johnston breaks Furman’s scoring drought with a nice cut, while Nick Anderson follows up with a three to make the score 60-59 with 5:28 to play. Bob Richey has a discussion with the refs after what looked to be a missed foul call that leaves Furman with 6 seconds on the shot clock and 3:50 to go in the half. Mocs lead 67-65 with 2:08 to go in the game and Bob Richey calls a timeout. Huff makes a three pointer to make the score 70-65 Chattanooga with 1:10 to go, but PJay Smith answers to make it 70-68 with 1:10 to play. Official review to determine whose ball it is with Furman trailing by two with 44 seconds to go, and the ball goes to Furman after review. They overturned the initial call. PJay Smith hits the pull up jumper to tie the game at 70 with 22 seconds to go. Mocs will have a chance to win the game with the final shot, and we are heading to overtime.
Overtime Highlights
Furman gains the overtime tipoff and both teams open up with misses, but PJay Smith is fouled and makes both free throws. Nick Anderson makes a two pointer then Cooper Bowser is fouled to shoot two free throws. He makes one of two and Furman leads 75-72 with 2:40 to go in the overtime. Chattanooga gets back within one point and Furman has a miscommunication with PJay Smith throwing it out of bounds. 1:08 to go in the game. Nick Anderson makes two free throws to give Furman a three-point lead with 20 seconds to go. Chattanooga answers back with a two-pointer then immediately fouls PJay Smith who makes both free throws to give Furman another three point lead with 16.4 to go. Furman steals the inbound pass and Nick Anderson is fouled. Furman is heading back to the SoCon Final game tomorrow against either Wofford or VMI. SoCon basketball is some of the best basketball to watch. Final score is Furman 80, Chattanooga 77.
