CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Braxton Williams recorded career highs as a Bulldog in both points (26) and rebounds (11) on Senior Day, but The Citadel (9-20, 6-10 SoCon) fell to Chattanooga, 78-75, on Saturday afternoon at McAlister Field House.
Chattanooga built a 50-29 halftime lead after shooting 10-for-17 from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes. The Bulldogs connected on five first-half 3-pointers and collected 10 offensive rebounds but trailed at the break.
Chattanooga extended its lead early in the second half before The Citadel responded. The Bulldogs totaled 43 points in the second half to match Chattanooga's output over the final 20 minutes.
Williams led The Citadel with 26 points and 11 rebounds while making five 3-pointers.
Christian Moore finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, knocking down three 3-pointers to mark his 20th game this season with multiple makes from beyond the arc.
Logan Applegate totaled nine points on three 3-pointers and tied for the team lead with
Carter Kingsbury with four assists. The Citadel committed nine turnovers and recorded 21 offensive rebounds.
Chattanooga placed six players in double figures and shot 14-for-29 from 3-point range. Brennan Watkins and Jordan Frison scored 16 points apiece to lead the Mocs.
Following the game, head coach
Ed Conroy addressed the media:
"We know they are a well-coached offensive team, but we came out and tried to shoot our way to success instead of playing the way we need to play. In the second half, we got to the free-throw line and got some interior touches, and that is the way we need to play. We did not start the game the right way. We settled, held the ball too much, and forced shots instead of moving it and keeping each other in rhythm. When you get down big and miss shots, it can snowball. I thought Braxton stayed positive and impacted the game in different ways. We have to carry that mindset forward and be ready for these final in-state rivalry games."
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