1) Basics
Matchup: Chattanooga (4-4) at Marshall (5-3)
 
Tipoff: 7 p.m.
 
TV/Streaming: CUSA.TV – Marshall broadcast crew on pay-per-view streaming option. Access broadcast link on the GoMocs.com basketball schedule page.
 
Radio: Real 96.1 FM in Chattanooga – "Voice of the Mocs" Jim Reynolds has the call. His velvety tones have crossed the Scenic City airwaves for 38 seasons. The game is also available via iHeart (search Real 96.1 FM Chattanooga) and TuneIn (Chattanooga Mocs) radio apps or you can listen on GoMocs.com. You can also access the Mocs Sports Network on the GoMocs.com basketball schedule page.
 
Reading/Viewing Material: Check out our options here: Preview | Game Notes.
 
Tickets: Tickets are on sale at all the usual places. You can buy by:
 

• Visiting the Gate 1 Ticket Office at McKenzie Arena during business hours.
• Calling the McKenzie Arena Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627) during business hours.
• Going online via GoMocs.com: Single-Game | Mini-Plan
• Group tickets are available by calling (423) 425-5470.

 
Social Media: Score updates from Twitter on @GoMocsMBB.
 
2) Details
The last meeting between the two schools as Southern Conference rivals was the start of an epic postseason run. Well, maybe not the start, but it provided the opportunity for the Mocs to reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1997.
 
The 1997 SoCon Tournament was in Greensboro, N.C. An easy 84-62 win over VMI was followed by a 77-70 triumph over Davidson in the semifinals. That set the stage for Chattanooga-Marshall Round 2. During their shared 20-year history in the league, the two won or shared 13 SoCon regular season (10 Mocs/3 Herd), four division (2/2) and 11 tournament titles (8/3). Yet, the dominant duo only met twice in the tourney's ultimate matchup.
 
Both lived up to any and all billing that a league championship provides. The Thundering Herd captured a 2OT thriller on March 4, 1984, 111-107. The second also provided fans free basketball, but the Mocs did not allow the Herd a second five minutes this time around.
 
The bad guys clung to a 70-69 lead as the Mocs had the final possession. As time wound down, UTC star and consensus SoCon Player of the Year Johnny Taylor had the ball. He pulled up with six seconds to play from 15 feet. The shot was off the mark and fell into the waiting hands of Chris Mims.
 
His put-back layup with just four ticks left gave Chattanooga its eighth SoCon tournament title. A simple play really; block out, get the rebound and lay it in. The fundamental plays are often where championships are won.
 
3) History

• 29-19 all-time against the Thundering Herd.
• 9-12 in Huntington.
• Five-game win streak in the series including last year's comeback 96-85 win in Chattanooga.

 
4) Getting By with a Little Help from Their Friends
Saturday night was near perfect from a half-court offensive standpoint. While shooting-wise, there is an argument against that, from distribution and unselfish play setting up a teammate, it was impressive.
 
The Mocs assisted on 84.2 percent of their shots, 16 of 19 made baskets. That's a strong number, but not the best this season. The 85.7 percent clip (18/21) against Alabama State is the top number on the season, but it's not even in the top 10 in school history (ranks 12th). The best number is 95.7 percent (22/23) at Memphis back in 1995.
 
The season conversion number is 59.8 percent (119/199). That's the fourth-best mark with 2003-04's squad proving the least selfish, per the numbers, at 62.1 percent (535/861).
 
5) Three Notes to Notice

1. After an 0-2 start, the Mocs have won four of six with all four wins coming at home.
2. It was an impressive effort on the boards for the Mocs in Saturday's win. A +9 margin (37/28) is a shiny traditional ornament, but a little deeper look provides even better analysis. Chattanooga owned the glass on its defensive end grabbing 90 percent (27/30) or UT Martin's missed shots.
3. Battle of styles on Tuesday. Both teams have played eight games to date. Average score in a UTC contest? 139.2. Marshall? 175.4.