ETSU defeats Wofford in first-place showdown

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Playing in front of a national television audience, East Tennessee State reclaimed sole possession of first place in the Southern Conference with an 86-72 victory at Wofford on Sunday night. Cam Morris III led the Bucs with 22 points, seven rebounds and five steals as the game was broadcast on CBS Sports Network. They dominated the interior against a Wofford team missing two starters inside Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. ETSU, which was 26-for-28 from the free-throw line, improved to 16-7 overall and 8-2 in the Southern Conference. Both losses have been against Western Carolina. The Bucs were up 51-50 when steals led to back-to-back, 3-point goals by Maki Johnson and Allen Strothers. ETSU held a 19-0 advantage in points off turnovers, and 19-10 in second-chance points. "Playing for first place, every game has a life of its own," ETSU coach Brooks Savage said on the Buc Radio Network broadcast. "Our guys responded in a major way and went on the road with a big time performance, 93 (percent) from the (free-throw) line and 19-2 with our bench. We were really locked in and executed." Beyond Morris, there were strong efforts by other post players. Jordan McCullum totaled 17 points, the most since scoring 18 in the season opener against Converse, and Blake Barkley ended with 11 points and six rebounds. Overall, five ETSU players ended in double figures. Starting point guard Strothers scored 11 points, to go along with six assists, and Jaylen Smith, in the sixth-man role, scored 10 points. As Savage alluded to, the Bucs' depth was also a factor with a 19-2 advantage in bench points. Wofford (15-8, 7-3) was missing leading scorer Kahmare Holmes, who was injured in the Terriers' 81-55 rout of Chattanooga, and Luke Flynn who has missed the last four games with an ankle injury. In their absence, Nils Machowski led the Terriers with 23 points and Chace Watley scored 19. The Bucs led by 11 points in the first half before the Terriers cut it to 41-39 at the half. Wofford briefly pulled ahead 46-45, but led only 1:35 the entire game. "Credit to our guys on doing what they wanted to do," Savage said. "They didn't have Holmes, and you have to mention that, and we will have to play well the next time to beat them. But, I'm proud of our group tonight. Some major contributions, and a great win for us." NEXT UP ETSU will host Furman on Wednesday 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall Civic Center. Now a game behind, Wofford goes on the road to face VMI on Wednesday night.