CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — Western Carolina built a large first-half lead and withstood a furious Chattanooga comeback to earn an 81-76 men’s basketball victory Saturday at McKenzie Arena.

The Catamounts led by 10 points at halftime and expanded their advantage early in the second half before the Mocs charged back. Chattanooga’s second-half surge, outscoring Western Carolina 47-42, fell short in the final minutes.

Julien Soumaoro led all scorers with 25 points for Western Carolina. Jordan Frison paced Chattanooga with 20 points and six assists. The Catamounts improved to 10-15 overall, while the Mocs fell to 10-17. Attendance was 3,347.