University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men vs. The Citadel at McKenzie Arena
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Video/radio: ESPN3/96.1 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
UTC (9-10, 4-2 Southern Conference)
Projected starters: F Kevin Easley (6-6, 14.7); G David Jean-Baptiste (6-1, 9.1); G Jerry Johnson Jr. (6-1, 10.2); F Jonathan Scott (6-4, 6.3); F Ramon Vila (6-8, 11.2).
Key reserves: C Thomas Smallwood (7-0, 6.6); G Donovann Toatley (5-9, 11.2).
THE CITADEL (9-8, 1-5)
Projected starters: F Hayden Brown (6-6, 8.4); G Matt Frierson (6-2, 14.4); G Connor Kern (6-4, 7.8); F Zane Najdawi (6-7, 13.8); G Lew Stallworth (6-1, 18.4).
Key reserves: F Alex Reed (6-5, 8.1); F Kaiden Rice (6-6, 12.4).
MOCS REPORT
UTC proved it could win without a big game from Easley on Thursday against Mercer, but that outing could take its toll on the Mocs with the quick turnaround against the frenetic Bulldogs. The team is finally at full strength with the return to action of forward Keigan Kerby and with Johnson healed from a nagging hip contusion sustained two weeks ago. The Mocs' four SoCon wins surpass last year's total, and they enter today's game tied with Furman for fourth place in the league standings.
BULLDOGS REPORT
The Citadel leads Division I teams in scoring with an average of 93.4 points per game and has eclipsed 100 points four times this season. Stallworth has shot 55.3 percent from the field, while Frierson has hit 71 3-pointers, including eight in a loss to Samford the last time out. The Bulldogs have shot nearly 200 more 3-pointers than the Mocs. Defensively, The Citadel has allowed right at 100 points over the past five games, and that includes giving up only 80 against Samford.
KEY MATCHUP
The UTC backcourt will be tested severely by an opponent that relies on full-court pressure to spark much of its offensive production. The Mocs should have an advantage inside but will need to avoid taking quick shots. UTC, led by Easley and Vila, has held its own on the boards since SoCon play started and will need to keep the Bulldogs off the offensive glass in order to run its league winning streak to three games.