The Chattanooga Mocs head to Cookeville, Tenn., Sunday looking for their first road win of the 2017-18 season at Tennessee Tech. Much like the previous four tries, an easy task is not in the forecast.
The Mocs previous four road opponents are a combined 21-0 (Wyoming 5-0, UAB 5-0, Akron 5-0 & Marshall 6-0). TTU welcomes its guests with a sterling 4-0 mark in the Eblen Center.
It’s a contrast in styles this weekend. Chattanooga is coming off an impressive 64-50 win over Charlotte.
Opponents have been limited nearly 17 points below their season averages entering the contest in the month of December.
Tennessee Tech boasts a formidable offensive lineup. The Eagles shoot 48.3 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from 3pt range running out to a 7-1 mark before a tough stretch of road games at Furman, Dayton and Central Michigan. They’ve scored better than 80 points in each of their seven wins.
One area of concern all season has been taking care of the ball. The Mocs are averaging nearly 19 turnovers per game on the road, a margin of minus-3 per contest. The quartet of losses include nearly 19 points per game off turnovers for the hosts, 7.5 points per 40 better than the good guys.
Last Sunday’s win vs. Charlotte is a great look into the importance of taking care of the ball. With 6:22 left in the first half, the Mocs led 25-11. It was tied 29-all at halftime due in large part to turnovers. Six of the squad’s 14 occurred in that time span leading to an 18-4 49ers run. Over the remaining 33:38, UTC out-scored its visitors 60-32.
THE MATCHUP
Sunday – Dec. 17, 2017 – Eblen Center – Cookeville, Tenn.
Chattanooga (5-5) at Tennessee Tech (7-4), 3 p.m. (ET)
Media: OVC Digital Network/Real 96.1 FM