Smith, Chattanooga host Middle Tenn.

Published Dec. 21, 2021 6:31 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Middle Tennessee (9-3) vs. Chattanooga (9-3)

McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Two sophomore guards will be on display as Eli Lawrence and Middle Tennessee will take on Malachi Smith and Chattanooga. Lawrence is averaging 12.8 points over the last five games. Smith has scored 26 percent of the team's points this season and is averaging 26.6 over his last five games.

SAVVY VETERANS: Senior leadership could play a big role in the outcome of this game. Silvio De Sousa, David Jean-Baptiste, Darius Banks and A.J. Caldwell have combined to account for 48 percent of Chattanooga's scoring this year including 40 percent of the team's points over its last five games. For Middle Tennessee, Josh Jefferson, Donovan Sims and DeAndre Dishman have combined to score 39 percent of the team's points this year, including 45 percent of all Blue Raiders points over their last five.EFFECTIVE ELI: Lawrence has connected on 32.3 percent of the 65 3-pointers he's attempted and has made 9 of 32 over the last five games. He's also converted 61.3 percent of his foul shots this season.

PASSING FOR POINTS: The Blue Raiders have recently used assists to create baskets more often than the Mocs. Chattanooga has an assist on 39 of 94 field goals (41.5 percent) over its past three matchups while Middle Tennessee has assists on 38 of 73 field goals (52.1 percent) during its past three games.

DID YOU KNOW: Chattanooga has committed a turnover on just 16.3 percent of its possessions this season, which is the lowest percentage among all SoCon teams. The Mocs have turned the ball over only 10.7 times per game this season.

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