University of Tennessee at Chattanooga vs. Furman at McKenzie Arena
Time: 2 p.m.
Video/radio: ESPN+/96.1 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
UTC (12-18, 7-10 Southern Conference)
Projected starters: F Kevin Easley (6-6, 14.2); G David Jean-Baptiste (6-1, 9.3); G Jerry Johnson Jr. (6-1, 10.2); F Jonathan Scott (6-4, 5.9); F Ramon Vila (6-8, 10.2).
Key reserves: C Thomas Smallwood (7-0, 6.3); G Donovann Toatley (5-9, 11.4).
FURMAN (23-6, 12-5)
Projected starters: F Noah Gurley (6-8, 9.1); G Alex Hunter (5-11, 8.9); G Jordan Lyons (5-11, 16.3); F Clay Mounce (6-7, 11.2); F Matt Rafferty (6-8, 17.3).
Key reserves: G Andrew Brown (6-5, 7.2); G Tre Clark (6-5, 4.1).
MOCS REPORT
The absence of freshman star Easley the past three games due to an ankle injury has sent ripples through the lineup, including a large dip in shooting percentage the past two weeks. The Mocs were just 4-of-26 from 3-point range in Thursday's 80-54 home loss to No. 24 Wofford and often had to settle for long jumpers late in possessions. If Easley can return today - the availability of the team's leading scorer and rebounder this season will be a game-time decision - the offense will have its go-to option. If not, the Mocs will need to establish an inside game and shoot better from behind the arc. UTC lost this season's first game against Furman 73-58 as Easley, Toatley and Vila combined for just 16 points on Jan. 24 in Greenville, South Carolina. It was one of the few SoCon games this season in which UTC has not been competitive.
PALADINS REPORT
Furman's 90-81 victory at Samford on Thursday tied the program mark for wins in a season. The Paladins were 13-of-28 from 3-point range and 23-of-24 on free throws. All five Furman starters scored in double figures, led by Lyons' 17, and Hunter and Rafferty combined for 21 rebounds. Furman is tied with East Tennessee State for the No. 3 seed for next week's SoCon tournament, and a win today would clinch it because the Paladins own the tiebreaker over the Buccaneers. In last month's win over UTC, Rafferty had 15 points and 11 rebounds, with Lyons leading the way with 18 points.
KEY MATCHUP
Rafferty is one of the conference's most well-rounded players and leads the Paladins in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals while shooting 63 percent. At 6-8, he's a bad matchup for the Mocs, and if a team chooses to double-team him that leaves Hunter, Lyons and Mounce - who have combined for 189 3-pointers - open on the wings.