The Chattanooga Mocs (24-4), the Southern’s top shooting team, will challenge the UNC Greensboro Spartans (11-17) at McKenzie Arena. Action begins at 5:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The Mocs enter this game hoping for similar success after blowing out VMI 85-59 on Thursday. Justin Tuoyo was a key piece with 11 points, six rebounds, and four blocks. The Spartans, meanwhile, are coming off an 82-77 win against Samford on Thursday. Francis Alonso led the game in scoring by registering 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
When evaluating eFG%, the Mocs could have a healthy advantage on offense. They’re ranked 32nd in the nation in that category at 54.1%, while the suspect defense of UNC Greensboro is ranked 313th in eFG% defense, allowing opponents to connect at a rate of 52.7% this year.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Mocs winning the first matchup 73-60. Eric Robertson had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and seven three-pointers.
The Mocs have gone 24-4 Straight Up (SU) and 16-8 Against The Spread (ATS). The Mocs have no trouble scoring as they rank 17th in the nation in home offense with 85.5 points per game. The Mocs are one of the best in Division I in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive .377 from beyond the arc. Crossing over to the defensive side of the court, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score on the Mocs. The 66.6 points that Chattanooga’s defense allows per game makes them the 49th-ranked defense in the country.
As for their opponent, the Spartans have 11-17 SU and 11-11 ATS records. UNC Greensboro performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning an 8-2 record. Offensively, the Spartans have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 72.5 points per game by averaging 79.0 during that stretch. The Spartans rely heavily on three-pointers on offense, ranking 37th in the nation with 238 made (8.0 per game). The Spartans average 74.5 points allowed per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 66.2 points per game during that span.
With the Mocs’ last win against UNC Greensboro, Chattanooga moved closer to evening up its record against UNC Greensboro. It now stands at 4-6 SU over their most recent meetings. With an 8-2 record, the Spartans also have the advantage ATS. During their latest five matchups, neither team ever held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Chat, ATS Winner – Chat
Notes
“Chattanooga is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games “.
“Chattanooga is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games “.
“Chattanooga is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home”.
“Chattanooga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chattanooga’s last 5 games at home”.
“Chattanooga is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing UNC Greensboro”.
“Chattanooga is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing UNC Greensboro”.
“Chattanooga is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against UNC Greensboro”.
“Chattanooga is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against UNC Greensboro”.
Chattanooga sits at 13-2 SU against its conference rivals, while UNC Greensboro is 7-8 SU.
UNC Greensboro averages 72.5 points per game, placing the team just 153rd in the nation. Chattanooga ranks 49th in points allowed, giving up 66.6 points per game.
UNC Greensboro scores just 72.0 points per away game (ranked 106th). Chattanooga ranks 78th in points allowed at home, giving up 65.5 points.
Ranked 37th, the Chattanooga Mocs have an offensive rating of 113.4. The UNC Greensboro Spartans rank 298th with a defensive rating of just 109.0.
The UNC Greensboro Spartans average 68.8 possessions per game and 1.054 points per possession. The Chattanooga Mocs earn fewer possessions with 68.2, but they score more points with 1.134.
The UNC Greensboro Spartans average an effective field goal percentage of 51.4% this season. The Chattanooga Mocs have a solid 8-3 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 51.4% or greater.
On average, Chattanooga attempts 21.0 three pointers and UNC Greensboro attempts 24.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Chattanooga Mocs have a superb 14-3 record while the UNC Greensboro Spartans have a losing 9-16 record.
Chattanooga ranks 81st in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.22. UNC Greensboro is ranked lower at 164th with an A/TO of 1.07.
The Chattanooga Mocs make an average of 8.0 steals per game. When the UNC Greensboro Spartans allow 8 or more steals, they are a winning 3-1.
