University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men vs. The Citadel at McAlister Field House in Charleston, South Carolina
Time: 7 p.m.
Video/radio: ESPN3/96.1 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
UTC (11-16, 6-8 Southern Conference)
Projected starters: F Kevin Easley (6-6, 14.7); G David Jean-Baptiste (6-1, 8.8); G Jerry Johnson Jr. (6-1, 10.6); F Jonathan Scott (6-4, 6.2); F Ramon Vila (6-8, 10.4).
Key reserves: C Thomas Smallwood (7-0, 6.8); G Donovann Toatley (5-9, 11.5).
The Citadel (11-14, 3-11)
Projected starters: F Hayden Brown (6-6, 7.8); G Matt Frierson (6-2, 12.4); G Connor Kern (6-4, 6.9); F Zane Najdawi (6-7, 13.8); G Lew Stallworth (6-1, 19.9).
Key reserves: F Alex Reed (6-5, 6.3); F Kaiden Rice (6-6, 11.4).
MOCS REPORT
UTC is coming off a frustrating defeat at Samford, losing a late lead on a combination of turnovers and missed free throws before falling 80-76 in overtime last Saturday. The loss puts the Mocs in danger of not receiving a first-round bye at next month's SoCon tournament, making tonight's game even more important. UTC may have to play without Easley, who injured an ankle at Samford; Mocs coach Lamont Paris said the freshman star's status will be a game-time decision. The Mocs escaped The Citadel 73-71 in their first meeting of the season when a last-second shot fell off at McKenzie Arena. Easley, Toatley and Vila combined for 54 points that day as UTC had one of its better defensive showings of the season, limiting the high-scoring Bulldogs well below their average and forcing them into an 8-for-37 performance from 3-point range.
BULLDOGS REPORT
The Bulldogs are coming off a 103-82 loss to Western Carolina this past Saturday, when they allowed the Catamounts to shoot 57.7 percent and make 19 of 30 attempts from 3-point range. Frierson missed the Bulldogs' loss at East Tennessee State last Thursday and played limited minutes against the Catamounts but should be back at full strength tonight. With his ability to hit spot-up jumpers and Stallworth's penchant for driving, the Bulldogs have a difficult backcourt to handle.
KEY MATCHUP
Stallworth went for 22 points against UTC at McKenzie, and his physicality made life difficult for the Mocs. If Easley has to miss the game or can play only limited minutes, replacing his rebounding (he had 12 in the first meeting) will be critical.