UTC (13-7, 4-3 SoCon) vs. ETSU (17-3, 6-1)
4 p.m. Saturday in Johnson City, Tennessee
Video & radio: ESPN+ & 97.7 FM/1070 AM
Storyline: It's rivalry time in Johnson City, where the high-flying Buccaneers (No. 6 in the CollegeInsider.com poll for mid-major programs) are 11-0 this season at Freedom Hall. They're also on a four-game winning streak overall and coming off an impressive 21-point win at Western Carolina. The Mocs are trying to find some consistency on the road after big home wins against Samford, Wofford and The Citadel. The Bucs have the league's most physical lineup, featuring 7-foot center Lucas N'Guessan, 6-7 forward Jeromy Rodriguez and guards Bo Hodges (6-5) and Tray Boyd (6-4). The Mocs have been rebounding well and need big games on the boards from Ramon Vila, Rod Johnson, Stefan Kenic and crew to hang close.
What's at stake? The Mocs have a lot to gain with a win over the SoCon's top-rated team, though even a good showing could give coach Lamont Paris' team a big boost of road confidence after a disappointing showing at UNC Greensboro last Saturday.
Up next: The Mocs end a two-game road swing with Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. EST tipoff at Samford.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.