Western Carolina Catamounts men's basketball


The Western Carolina Catamounts men's basketball team is the basketball team that represents Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southern Conference.

Notable moments

One of the most notable moments in the program's history occurred on December 9, 2012, against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in Cullowhee. In the second half of that game, with 11:07 to go, the Mountaineers were leading 49–40. Appalachian State player Brian Okam was shooting the second of two free throws, when as soon as he shot the ball it sailed high in the air and fell in the arms of a teammate about 10 feet short of the rim. A Western Carolina TV analyst commentating on the game soon reacted, in a surprised manner, "I'm not sure what that was. Good lord." Eventually, the Catamounts would go on to win 70–64. The incident has gone viral on YouTube, reaching over 18 million views.

Postseason appearances

NCAA Tournament

The Catamounts have appeared in one NCAA Tournament. Their record is 0–1. In the 1996 Tournament, Western Carolina was seeded #16, but played #1 seed Purdue close before falling 71–73.
YearRoundOpponentResult/Score
1996First RoundPurdueL 71–73

CIT

The Catamounts have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. Their record is 0–1.
YearRoundOpponentResult/Score
2010First RoundMarshallL 88–90

CBI

The Catamounts have appeared in one College Basketball Invitational. Their record is 0–1.
YearRoundOpponentResult/Score
2016First RoundVermontL 74–79