Buccaneers Edge Catamounts in Nail-Biter Finish
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Harrah's Cherokee Center
East Tennessee State Buccaneers 69, Western Carolina Catamounts 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Western Carolina Catamounts vs East Tennessee State Buccaneers?
East Tennessee State Buccaneers beat Western Carolina Catamounts 69-67 at Harrah's Cherokee Center on March 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Carolina Catamounts vs East Tennessee State Buccaneers?
East Tennessee State Buccaneers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Harrah's Cherokee Center, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts with a final score of 69-67. This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the conclusion of the regular season for both teams, setting the stage for postseason play. The Buccaneers ended the season with a home record of 23-10, while the Catamounts finished at 15-16 overall.
The Buccaneers entered this game with a solid recent form, having won seven of their last ten games, including a victory against The Citadel Bulldogs just a day prior, where they scored 83 points. Their scoring average over the last ten games stood at 78.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 73.0 points. East Tennessee State had a mixed home record of 3-2 in their last five games, but they managed to secure a win in their most recent outing, which contributed to their momentum heading into this contest.
Conversely, the Catamounts were riding a six-game winning streak, showcasing an impressive performance with an average of 81.2 points scored per game and 73.9 points allowed during their last ten games. Their recent victories included a convincing 86-67 win against Furman, demonstrating their capability to score heavily. Western Carolina's away record was 3-2 in their last five games, highlighting their ability to perform on the road.
Historically, the Buccaneers and Catamounts have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, with the Buccaneers holding a 1-3 record against Western Carolina. In their most recent meeting on January 30, 2026, the Catamounts edged out the Buccaneers with a close 90-88 victory. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to their latest matchup, as the Buccaneers sought to avenge their earlier losses.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their best players for this crucial game. The market had priced the Buccaneers as 2.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 145.5. The moneyline odds reflected a home win probability for the Buccaneers at -162.0, while the Catamounts were listed at 136.0.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams eager to establish their dominance early. The atmosphere in the Harrah's Cherokee Center was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for the contest.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that every possession counted. The scoring plays highlighted the tension in the closing moments, with Blake Barkley playing a pivotal role for the Buccaneers. He made crucial layups and free throws that helped East Tennessee State claw back from a deficit. The game was tied at 67 before Barkley’s free throw gave the Buccaneers a one-point lead, followed by Brian Taylor II sealing the victory with another free throw.
Ultimately, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, showcasing their respective strengths and strategies. The Buccaneers' ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to secure a narrow victory and finish their season on a high note.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ETSU -2.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Western Carolina Catamounts +136 · East Tennessee State Buccaneers -162 |
Leaders
- PointsBrian Taylor II22East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- AssistsJaylen Smith3East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- ReboundsBlake Barkley8East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- PointsMarcus Kell18Western Carolina Catamounts
- AssistsCord Stansberry2Western Carolina Catamounts
- ReboundsCord Stansberry7Western Carolina Catamounts
Recent form
East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W178.6 scored · 73 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W83-76vs The Citadel BulldogsMar 7
- L76-82at Mercer BearsFeb 28
- L69-72vs Wofford TerriersFeb 26
- W87-75at UNC Greensboro SpartansFeb 21
- W78-69at Furman PaladinsFeb 18
- L72-82vs Samford BulldogsFeb 14
- W73-61vs Chattanooga MocsFeb 12
- W87-70at VMI KeydetsFeb 7
- W75-71vs Furman PaladinsFeb 5
- W86-72at Wofford TerriersFeb 2
Western Carolina Catamounts
Last 10: 7-3Streak W681.2 scored · 73.9 allowed per game3-2 away
- W86-67vs Furman PaladinsFeb 28
- W78-74vs Mercer BearsFeb 26
- W81-62at VMI KeydetsFeb 21
- W91-77vs UNC Greensboro SpartansFeb 19
- W81-76at Chattanooga MocsFeb 14
- W87-49vs The Citadel BulldogsFeb 11
- L66-77at Wofford TerriersFeb 7
- L78-81at UNC Greensboro SpartansFeb 4
- L74-88vs Samford BulldogsFeb 1
- W90-88at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 30
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Western Carolina Catamounts | East Tennessee State Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-53 | 24-51 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-28 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 35 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Assists | 9 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 28 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 92 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-32Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-34Brian Taylor II makes 1-foot dunk (Maki Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half46-35Brian Taylor II makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-35Marcus Kell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-35Marcus Kell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-38Jaylen Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half48-39Jaylen Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-40Jaylen Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-40Marcus Kell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-40Marcus Kell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-40Julien Soumaoro makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tahlan Pettway assists)
- 2nd Half53-41Jordan McCullum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Jordan McCullum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-42Tidjiane Dioumassi makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-45Isaiah Sutherland makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brian Taylor II assists)
- 2nd Half56-45Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-47Brian Taylor II makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-49Jaylen Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half58-49Marcus Kell makes layup
- 2nd Half59-49Marcus Kell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-51Jordan McCullum makes layup (Brian Taylor II assists)
- 2nd Half59-52Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-55Brian Taylor II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half60-55Cord Stansberry makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half61-55Cord Stansberry makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half62-55Cord Stansberry makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half63-55Cord Stansberry makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-57Jordan McCullum makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-57Cord Stansberry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-57Cord Stansberry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59Blake Barkley makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half65-60Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-61Blake Barkley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Tidjiane Dioumassi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Blake Barkley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-65Blake Barkley makes layup
- 2nd Half67-67Blake Barkley makes layup
- 2nd Half67-68Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-69Brian Taylor II makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours East Tennessee State Buccaneers, below favours Western Carolina Catamounts.
Venue
- Harrah's Cherokee CenterAsheville, NC
- OfficialsBilly Dunlap, Jason Baker, Garrick Shannon
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond