CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a stunning reversal of offensive execution after halftime, the Chattanooga Mocs overcame a five-point deficit to defeat the Western Carolina Catamounts 90-82 in a Southern Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Ramsey Center.

The contest pivoted dramatically over the final 20 minutes. Western Carolina, leveraging its size and interior play, controlled the first half and took a 42-37 lead into the break. The Catamounts dominated the paint early, outscoring Chattanooga 32-22 there for the game, and capitalized on second chances with a 12-2 advantage in offensive rebounds.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Chattanooga’s perimeter marksmanship and clutch free-throw shooting. The Mocs erupted for 53 points, shooting a blistering 16 of 31 from three-point range for the game. Their offensive efficiency was staggering, scoring 90 points on just 67 possessions for an offensive rating of 134.3. They were nearly perfect from the foul line, making 18 of 19 attempts.

Jordan Frison led the Mocs with 19 points, but it was a balanced and explosive team effort that secured the win. Collin Mulholland came off the bench to score 16 points, all in the second half, including four three-pointers. Tate Darner added 10 points and three assists, while Brennan Watkins and Jikari Johnson each chipped in 10 points. The Mocs also generated 16 fastbreak points compared to zero for Western Carolina, highlighting their ability to capitalize on transitions sparked by their defense.

Western Carolina was led by Julien Soumaoro’s 17 points and Marcus Kell’s 11 points and five assists. Justin Johnson provided 11 points off the bench. Despite shooting 45.5% from the field, the Catamounts were hampered by 9-of-25 shooting from beyond the arc and connected on only 13 of 21 free throws. Their offensive rating of 118.9 was strong, but paled in comparison to Chattanooga’s second-half surge.

The most critical sequence of the game occurred early in the second half, immediately shifting momentum. After Western Carolina missed two free throws to open the half, Chattanooga embarked on a decisive 15-1 run over a four-minute span. The run featured a three-pointer from Jikari Johnson, a layup from Johnson assisted by Frison, a hook shot from Darner, and was capped by a Mulholland three-pointer. This burst turned a 42-37 deficit into a 52-43 lead, and Western Carolina spent the remainder of the game chasing.

The Catamounts drew within four points on multiple occasions down the stretch, the last at 80-76 with under four minutes to play. Each time, Chattanooga had an answer, often from three-point range or the foul line. After Western Carolina closed to 82-80 with 1:12 remaining, Mulholland sank his fourth three-pointer of the half on the ensuing possession to push the lead back to five. The Mocs then sealed the game by making five of six free throws in the final 30 seconds.

With the victory, Chattanooga improves to 9-10 overall. Western Carolina falls to 6-11. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Chattanooga on Feb. 14.

Chattanooga’s next game is at home against East Tennessee State on Wednesday. Western Carolina travels to face Mercer on Wednesday.