THE CITADEL (6-11, 0-6 SoCon) vs. UTC (12-7, 3-3)
Wednesday at 7 p.m. at McKenzie Arena
TV & Radio: ESPN+ & 97.7 FM/1070 AM
Storyline: This is a potential trap game for the Mocs, who are coming off a 20-point loss at UNC Greensboro in a game they led by a point in the second half before the wheels came off. The Bulldogs, despite their winless SoCon start, have put a scare in several teams, including losing by six to Western Carolina and by only two to Wofford. The defense isn't very good and they commit nearly 20 turnovers a game, but the Bulldogs can score. Five players average in double figures, led by Kaelon Harris and Kaiden Rice (14.6 and 14.3 ppg). The Mocs, who won two close games with the Bulldogs last year, will have to take care of the ball against the press and guard the 3-point line, where The Citadel has shot 512 times, making 178).
What's at stake? Home wins are crucial in the SoCon and the Mocs seem to have a nice edge at The Roundhouse, where they are 7-1 and have shot over 50% in three league games. Matt Ryan (16.5 ppg), David Jean-Baptiste (14.6) and Ramon Vila (13.9) all score better at home. UTC cannot afford to lose this one with a road date with its biggest rival next.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.
Up next: The Mocs play at face first-place East Tennessee State at 4 p.m. Saturday.