CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team shook off a slow start to cruise to an 86-53 exhibition win over Lee University tonight in the McKenzie Arena.
Both teams struggled in the early part of the contest, combing to go 0-9 with eight turnovers in the first four minutes of the game. Chattanooga finally got on the board with a steal and lay-in by senior Megan Rollins.
The Lady Mocs pushed the lead to 7-0 before Lee finally broke the ice on the other side of the scoreboard. UTC freshman Michelle Davis saved a ball under the Lady Flames' basket that went right to junior Brooke McKinnon. She scored one of the few easy baskets for Lee on the evening.
Chattanooga went on a 14-0 run midway through the first period and pushed to a 32-18 halftime lead. The Lady Mocs overcame a rought shooting first half - 1-11 from 3-pt. range and 38.5% from the floor - by forcing Lee into 12 first half turnovers.
The Lady Mocs came out in the second half with a much better shooting touch, connecting on 55.9% of their attempts.
Davis was very impressive in her debut, finishing with a game-high 19 points and seven boards off the bench. She went 7-10 from the field and 5-6 from the foul line. 2009 Southern Conference Player of the Year Shanara Hollinquest was one board shy of a double-double with 13 points on 5-9 shooting and 3-5 from the free throw line.
Rollins added nine points, four boards and a team-high four steals. Freshman Erin Helton was also in double figures, hitting all five of her shots from the field to post 10 points. Fellow freshman Kayla Christopher had a solid outing with four points, nine boards, four assists and a pair of steals.
The Lady Mocs open the regular season when they travel to East Tennessee State on Friday, Nov. 13 for a 7:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) tip-off. UTC's first home game is against SEC foe Georgia on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the McKenzie Arena.
Women's basketball season tickets are on sale now at the UTC Ticket Office by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627) or online on GoMocs.com. Lady Mocs season tickets start at $45 and mini season plans are also available.
Photo Credit: Chattanooga
