Taylor scores 21 to help Chattanooga defeat Long Island 76-59 in Dr Pepper Classic

Chattanooga defeats Long Island 76-59

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Ricky Taylor scored 21 points and Chattanooga defeated Long Island 76-59 on Tuesday night.

Jeremy Saffore added 12 points and Ty Patterson, the Mocs’ leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, had nine assists in the Dr Pepper Classic contest.

Chattanooga (7-6) had 25 assists compared to nine turnovers and scored 21 points off of 17 Long Island turnovers.

The Mocs shot 51.9 percent from the field (14 of 27), compared to 32.3 percent shooting (10 of 31) by the Blackbirds in the second half.

Long Island (4-7) pulled within 60-54 with 11:50 remaining, but committed three turnovers and Chattanooga scored six straight points. DeAntre Jefferson put the Mocs up 67-54 with 9:14 remaining.

Kyle Johnson had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Blackbirds, who lost their 12th straight non-conference road game.

Michael Culpo chipped in 16 points for Long Island.