University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men vs. East Tennessee State University at McKenzie Arena
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Video/radio: ESPN3/96.1 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
UTC (10-13, 5-5 Southern Conference)
Projected starters: F Kevin Easley (6-6, 15.1); G Jerry Johnson Jr. (6-1, 10.6); F Jonathan Scott (6-4, 6.8); G Donovann Toatley (5-9, 11.7); F Ramon Vila (6-8, 10.8).
Key reserves: F Keigan Kerby (6-7, 2.6); C Thomas Smallwood (7-0, 6.6).
ETSU (18-5, 8-2)
Projected starters: F Mladen Armus (6-10, 8.3); G Patrick Good (6-0, 12.0); G Bo Hodges (6-4, 8.6); F Jeromy Rodriguez (6-7, 11.7); G Daivien Williamson (6-2, 8.7).
Key reserves: G Tray Boyd (6-4, 11.8); G Isaiah Tisdale (6-1, 8.4).
MOCS REPORT
UTC had its worst defensive performance of the season in Thursday's 105-96 home loss to Western Carolina, which entered the game 5-17. The Mocs were hampered by the absence of guard David Jean-Baptiste, who was ill, and his availability today will be a game-time decision. Offensively, the Mocs were strong, with all five starters scoring in double figures, led by Easley's 25 points and 19 from Toatley, who started in Jean-Baptiste's place. The Mocs allowed 14 3-pointers, though, and were outrebounded by six.
BUCCANEERS REPORT
ETSU won this season's first meeting with the Mocs 96-70, shooting 61 percent from the field and going 9-of-18 from 3-point range in Johnson City. Good has been on fire from long range, making 17 treys and scoring 62 points in wins over Western Carolina and Samford. The Bucs shot only 39 percent from the field Thursday against Samford, nearly 10 percent less than their season average. ETSU is the most balanced team in the SoCon this season, with seven players averaging more than eight points.
KEY MATCHUP
Much of the Mocs' trouble against the Catamounts on Thursday was because of inside double teams that left shooters wide open. ETSU will cause many of the same problems with Armus and Rodriguez, so the Mocs will have to react to shooters - specifically Good and Boyd - with more urgency. Those two have combined to average 20 rebounds per game this season.