CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a Southern Conference clash defined by grinding defense and missed opportunities, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers escaped McKenzie Arena with a narrow 67-66 victory over the Chattanooga Mocs on Wednesday night.

The game, played before a crowd of 4,611, was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. East Tennessee State (14-6, 5-2) prevailed despite a frigid shooting performance from beyond the arc, connecting on just 3 of 19 three-point attempts. Chattanooga (9-11, 3-4), meanwhile, capitalized from deep, hitting 10 of 29, but was ultimately undone by turnovers and a decisive rebounding disadvantage.

The Buccaneers’ path to victory was carved inside, where they dominated the glass with 11 offensive rebounds leading to 16 second-chance points, and scored 42 points in the paint. Chattanooga managed only five offensive boards.

The contest’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final minute. With East Tennessee State clinging to a 65-64 lead, Chattanooga’s Tate Darner committed a turnover with 44 seconds remaining. ETSU’s Cam Morris promptly converted a steal into a dunk, pushing the lead to three.

After a missed three-pointer by Darner on the ensuing possession, Morris was fouled and made one of two free throws with 17 seconds left, making it 67-64. Chattanooga’s Brennan Watkins was then fouled on a three-point attempt with 18 seconds on the clock. The guard, who led all scorers with 19 points, calmly sank both free throws to cut the deficit to one.

East Tennessee State’s ensuing inbounds play resulted in a foul on Chattanooga’s Josh Bowman, sending ETSU’s Blake Barkley to the line with 4 seconds remaining. Barkley missed the first free throw, and his intentional miss on the second was rebounded by Chattanooga. The Mocs, out of timeouts, could only manage a desperation heave from near half-court as time expired, sealing the Buccaneers’ win.

Morris, a 6-foot-8 forward from Alexander City, Alabama, was the engine for ETSU, finishing with 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting, along with 7 rebounds, 3 steals and a block. His interior scoring was a constant answer to Chattanooga’s perimeter attacks. Brian Taylor added 15 points for the Buccaneers, while Gabe Sisk provided a crucial spark off the bench with 9 points and 4 steals.

For Chattanooga, Watkins’ 19 points led the way, supported by 14 points apiece from Jordan Frison and Tate Darner. Frison also contributed 4 assists. The Mocs’ interior defense was anchored by Josh Bowman, who blocked 4 shots, and Collin Mulholland, who added 11 points and 2 blocks.

The first half set the tone for a tight battle, with Chattanooga taking a 30-29 lead into the break behind 10 points from Watkins. The second half saw eight lead changes and five ties, with neither team able to build a cushion larger than five points.

East Tennessee State’s defense forced 14 Chattanooga turnovers, converting them into 15 points, while committing only 10 turnovers of their own. The Buccaneers also tallied 11 steals. Despite shooting a lower percentage overall and from three-point range, ETSU’s extra possessions and interior presence proved the difference.

The win marks East Tennessee State’s second straight conference road victory following a 76-75 win at Samford on Saturday. Chattanooga sees a two-game winning streak snapped as they fall to 3-4 in league play.

East Tennessee State returns home to face The Citadel on Saturday. Chattanooga travels to face Samford, also on Saturday.