* Tennessee Tech at UTC
* McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga
* Tonight at 7
* Radio: 96.1
Tennessee Tech (7-3)
Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Shirmane Thomas 6-3 4.4
G Torrance Rowe 6-1 17.5
G Aleksa Jugovic 6-3 10.3
F Ryan Martin 6-9 13.3
F Anthony Morse 6-9 8.4
Key reserves:
G Hakeem Rogers 6-1 7.5
F Mason Ramsey 6-6 5.0
UTC (7-2)
Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Greg Pryor 6-2 10.0
G Eric Robertson 6-4 7.1
G Tre’ McLean 6-5 7.9
F Chuck Ester 6-7 6.7
C Justin Tuoyo 6-10 10.4
Key reserves:
G Dee Oldham 6-4 5.2
F Duke Ethridge 6-6 8.6
Tennessee Tech report
Like UTC’s Mocs, the Golden Eagles are trying to become the first college team in the state of Tennessee to win eight games. They’ve done so with a tough, physical style that focuses on a pair of big, rugged presences inside (Martin and Morse) and guards who can play off that, as Rowe leads the team in scoring and assists. They’re among the nation’s leaders in rebounding at 40.1 per game and in free-throw shooting by making nearly 77 percent of their attempts.
Key matchup
The Mocs showed they can win a more grind-it-out style game Saturday at Dayton, with the 61 points their fewest in a win this season. Tonight should be similar in that regard, but the Mocs could look to exploit advantages at the 4 position, as Ethridge and Ester could have opportunities to score off the dribble. But they’re going to have to be able to handle the height disadvantage each will have on the defensive end and hold their own against Martin and Morse.
– Gene Henley