In a stunning turn of events, Tennessee at Chattanooga pulled off a monumental upset, taking down Mercer 79-75 at McKenzie Arena. The Bears, boasting a 15-9 record and a respectable 135 net ranking, were expected to dominate the Mocs, but Chattanooga had other plans. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Mercer winning by 6.1 points, but the actual outcome was a far cry from that, with the Mocs emerging victorious by a margin of 4 points.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Mercer racing out to an early lead. At halftime, the Bears held a 37-34 advantage, with Baraka Okojie already making his presence felt, scoring 10 points and dishing out 3 assists. However, Chattanooga refused to back down, and Tate Darner led the charge in the second half. The Mocs' star scored 12 of his 18 points in the final 20 minutes, including several crucial baskets late. Brennan Watkins and Teddy Washington Jr. also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively, to help Chattanooga overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
As the game wore on, the intensity only increased. Mercer's Armani Mighty and Kyle Cuffe Jr. did their best to keep the Bears ahead, but the Mocs' balanced attack ultimately proved too much to handle. With the score tied at 72-72 and just over 2 minutes remaining, Chattanooga seized control, scoring 7 of the game's final 10 points to seal the upset.
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. For Chattanooga, this victory marks a significant Quadrant 3 win, a crucial addition to their resume as they look to bolster their tournament chances. On the other hand, Mercer's loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which could potentially harm their postseason prospects. The Bears' net ranking of 135 will likely take a hit, and they must regroup and refocus to get their season back on track.
As for the Mocs, this win is a reflection of their resilience and determination. Despite being heavy underdogs, they believed in themselves and played with a sense of urgency and purpose. The victory improves Chattanooga's record to 10-14, and while they still have a long way to go, this upset will undoubtedly give them a much-needed boost of confidence. As the season enters its final stretch, the Mocs want to build on this momentum and make a push for a strong finish. This win will undoubtedly be a key talking point when tournament selection committees review Chattanooga's resume, and it could be the difference-maker in their pursuit of a postseason berth.