April 27, 2009

Former Tennessee basketball All-America Chris Lofton (2004-08) shot 17-of-22 from 3-point range on his way to an incredible 61-point performance for Mersin in the Turkish League playoffs Saturday.

One of the most prolific shooters in NCAA history, Lofton also added six steals and four assists in 38 minutes of action. His productive effort led Mersin to a 116-70 victory over TED Koleji and secured his team a spot in the Turkish League quarterfinals.

Saturday's 61-point performance increased the Maysville, Ky., native's scoring average by nearly two points to 20.08 points per game--fourth-best in the league. He has scored 502 total points this season.

Lofton's previous career-high as a professional was 47 points against Fenerbahce Ulker on Feb. 8.

During his career as a Volunteer, Lofton averaged 16.6 points and 3.4 3-pointers made per game. He shot 42.2 percent from beyond the arc at Tennessee, and his 431 career 3-pointers rank first all-time in Southeastern Conference history and third all-time in the NCAA records book.