NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.---Chattanooga (18-13) dropped a heartbreaking 60-57 to seventh-seeded Elon (13-18) in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference tournament in the North Charleston Coliseum. The second-seeded Mocs led for a large portion of the second half before the
The Mocs got off to a slow start offensively scoring just one field goal, also three-of-eight from the free throw line, in the first seven-plus minutes falling behind 10-4. Over the next 4:41,
Elon followed with a 14-3 run of its own to regain the lead at 26-20 with 3:19 left in the half. The Mocs exploded on an 8-0 burst to move ahead 28-26 on a Stephen McDowell trey from the left wing at 2:01 finishing the half up 31-28.
Both teams did not give an inch to start the second half. The Mocs extended their lead to six, 39-33, on two Marcus Watts free throws at 16:11. The
With 2:06 to go, Kevin Bridgewaters knocked down a three from the right wing to make it 57-54. At the 59.3 mark, Ola Atoyebi scored and went to the line for the three-point play, but the iron was unkind and the Mocs lead was one at 57-56.
Atoyebi put the
The Mocs were led by all-conference forward Nicchaeus Doaks with 12 points and five rebounds while battling foul trouble.
Atoyebi came off the bench to post a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. James chipped in 12 points and eight boards, while Watson added 11 points.
