Free throws cost SM in loss to Mounties

Jason Bennett prepares to put up a shot for Smoky Mountain in Friday's 65-55 loss to Tuscola. Bennett scored 12 points. - Herald photo by Carey Phillips

The Mountaineers were 22 of 27 from the line, including 14 of 19 in the final period. They scored their last 12 points on free throws. The Mustangs, who fell to 2-8 in the WAC, made just eight of 23 foul shots for the game. They were four of 13 in the fourth quarter.

Tuscola was led by Mark Phillips with 21 points. John Kirkpatrick added 13 while Hunter Plemmons, Jawaan Moore and Lucas Grasty all had 10.

Jason Bennett and Jeff Davis both scored 12 points from SM, and Luke Bell netted 11.

"We had opportunities to win," Coach Scott Hartbarger said. "When you make eight of 23 from the line, it's hard to beat anybody. We played pretty good defense."

The first half was close, but Tuscola used a 9-2 run, including five by Kirkpatrick, to take a 42-31 advantage with 4:34 to go in the third quarter. The margin reached 46-33 when Phillips scored at the 3:12 mark.

The Mustangs scored the period's final seven points, including five by Bell narrowing the gap to 46-40.

They completed a 13-0 run on a three-point play by Jared Day for a 46-46 tie with 6:07 left in the game.

Two free throws by Grasty put Tuscola ahead for good, 55-53, with 1:47 on the clock. The shots started a 12-2 run, all from the line, to end the game. Grasty had eight of the foul shots.

The Mustangs failed to keep pace due to missed free throws.

The Mounties opened a 14-8 lead on Phillips' basket with 4:38 remaining in the opening stanza.

Two baskets by Justin Roper helped SM draw even at 14-14 with 2:43 on the clock.

Kirkpatrick responded with two free throws 13 seconds later, and Tuscola held an 18-16 edge at the quarter break.

SM led briefly, 27-24, when Ritchie hit a three-pointer with 3:13 left in the half.

Tuscola scored the last seven points of the period and never trailed after Daniel Baker's follow shot with 1:53 on the clock. The margin was 31-27 at intermission.

Bennett made five field goals and two free throws. Davis hit four field goals, including two three-pointers, and two foul shots. Bell's points came on five field goals and a free throw.

Ritchie finished with nine points, Day netted five, Roper scored four and Lance Gabbard had two.

The Mustang JVs won 44-38. Patrick McChesney scored 12 points, and Michael Ayers had 11.

"We played a good game down the stretch," Coach Jimmy Roper said. "We were down two and scored 11 straight."

He singled out Ollin Dunford for his floor play and defense.

SM led at quarter breaks by scores of 16-11, 22-19 and 28-25.

Back to Sports: 02/08/01.