Mocs fight through suspensions, injuries in win
By Mychal Thomas
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Sports
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The Mocs regained the top spot in the Southern Conference North Division rankings in front of an audience of 4,467 in McKenzie Arena. They are now 8-2 in the conference and 13-7 overall.
The team had six players in double figures, led by a double-double from junior Qavotstaraj "Q" Waddell, Norfolk, Va., who scored 10 points and 10 rebounds.
"I just knew I had to step up to the plate this game," Waddell said.
The leading scorer for the Mocs was senior Kevin Bridgewaters, Columbia, Ky., who had 20 points. Junior Stephen McDowell, Indianapolis, added 15 points.
"It was a team effort," McDowell said. "Everybody on this team is capable of scoring the ball."
The Mocs had to pick up the scoring with junior Khalil Hartwell, Philadelphia, Pa., out indefinitely with a knee injury and sophomore Matt Gwynne, Angier, N.C. facing a suspension from the team.
"It's been very difficult for us," Head Coach John Shulman said.
"We lost the heart and soul of our team, Khalil. We suspended Gwynne and we didn't know if Watts and Goffney were going to play." Shulman said.
Senior Marcus Watts, Clinton, S.C. had 11 points and junior Kevin Goffney, Ethel, La. had 12 points. Each played 28 minutes in the game.
UTC shot 56 percent from the field while ASU only shot 39 percent. The Mocs held a ten point lead at half time and led by as many as 16 points in the second half.
