Johnson leads Chattanooga past Tennessee Tech, 71-60

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Jerry Johnson led a balanced squad with 14 points, Maurice Commander scored 13 and the pair combined for 7 of Chattanooga's season-high 13 3-pointers and the Mocs defeated Tennessee Tech 71-60 on Saturday.

Commander made 4 of 5 from distance, Johnson hit a trio of 3s, Kevin Easley scored 11 points with two from distance and David Jean-Baptiste also scored 11 with one 3-pointer.

Chattanooga (4-5) made 13 of 29 from behind the 3-point arc, 45 percent, and was 24-for-52 overall.

Jr. Clay led Tennessee Tech with 15 points with seven rebounds and three steals. Garrett Golday added 10 points. The Golden Eagles stepped up defense after trailing 40-23 at halftime, forcing 12 of Chattanooga's 18 turnovers in the final frame and racking up 7 steals, out of 11 on the game.

Tennessee Tech (1-7) hit five of its first six shots of the second half and cut a 19-point lead down to eight, 66-58.

Chattanooga opens Southern Conference play against VMI next week.