CHATTANOOGA --- After picking up a pair of wins to begin league play, the Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball team gets set to host The Citadel in Southern Conference play on Saturday afternoon inside the friendly confines of McKenzie Arena. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
 
Chattanooga (12-3, 2-0) is coming off a physical 75-67 win on the road at Wofford on Wednesday night after entering the game with a slightly shorthanded roster. The Mocs erased a 10-point deficit before the half to lead 32-30 at the break and refused to relinquish the lead in the second half in route to the victory. UTC is now 18-7 in its last 25 road contests.
 
The Citadel (6-6, 0-1) returned to the court for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday at Western Carolina and suffered a 94-90 loss in overtime. The Bulldogs saw postponements of its first two league games that were scheduled against Mercer (12/29) at home and on the road at Samford (1/1).

The upcoming game vs. The Citadel can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ through the Watch ESPN platform or fans can listen on WFLI 97.7 FM/1070 AM in Chattanooga as well as on GoMocs.com and the Varsity Network app. More game details, notes and more are below.
 
HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION CARE CLOSETS GAME
Saturday's contest will benefit a special cause. The Hamilton County Board of Education Care Closets initiative will be asking and receiving donations for items in need that directly support students across Hamilton County. Fans who bring donations will receive discounted tickets.
 
A statement of need can be found here: Over 15,000 students attending Hamilton County Schools are economically disadvantaged. Over 4,500 students are in foster care or homeless. Many families struggle to afford the basic necessities required for school, such as clean uniforms, extra clothes, food, school supplies, and toiletries. Students who don't have these necessities are at risk for missing school time, struggling to concentrate in class, suffering from bullying and low self-esteem, and other negative impacts on their education. Care Closets help meet these basic needs by providing a confidential and welcoming environment where any student can get the basic supplies they need to participate in school.
 
A list of items in need can be found here: Care Closets provide students in need with necessities including: school uniform clothing (beige or black pants and polo type long sleeve and short sleeve shirts (new), undergarments, and socks; toiletries and other hygiene items including feminine hygiene products; deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste; school supplies. They may also provide items such as laundry detergent, bookbags, winter outerwear, and other basic items as available.
 
GAME BASICS
▪ Chattanooga (12-3, 2-0) vs. The Citadel (6-6, 0-1)
▪ 4:00 p.m. ET | McKenzie Arena (10,995) | Chattanooga, Tenn.
▪ WATCH (ESPN+) | LISTEN (WFLI 97.7FM/1050AM) | STATS
▪ BUY TICKETS | STUDENT TICKETS

GAME NOTES
Chattanooga | The Citadel (currently unavailable) | SoCon
 
SERIES HISTORY – 88^th Meeting
All-Time: 68-19 – Chattanooga
Last: 70-66, Chattanooga – Feb. 13, 2021 (McKenzie Arena)
Home: 37-6 – Chattanooga
Away: 30-13 – Chattanooga
Neutral: 1-0 – Chattanooga
 
TIP-OFF
- Chattanooga enters the game with an 12-3 record and a 2-0 mark in SoCon play... coming off a hard-fought 75-67 win at Wofford on Wednesday... last time 12-3 or better was 13-2 start in 2015-16... 4th time 12-3 in program history (1972-73, ,1982-83, 1993-94)... all-time best record through 15 games is 14-1 in 1973-74.
 
- In its last meeting, Chattanooga defeated The Citadel 70-66 inside McKenzie Arena on February 13, 2021... double-double performances from Malachi Smith and KC Hankton helped UTC win its fourth-straight... duo combined for 30 points and 21 rebounds to notch the sixth victory over the Bulldogs in seven tries.
 
- The Citadel enters the matchup with an even 6-6 overall record and an 0-1 mark in SoCon play... the Bulldogs had its December 29 game vs. Mercer and January 1 tilt at Samford PPD due to COVID related issues... opened league play with a 94-90 loss in overtime at Western Carolina on Wednesday... marked the first game for the school since December 21 (77-74 L vs. Manhattan.)

BY THE NUMBERS 
- Chattanooga sits at No. 29 in the latest NET Rankings (1/6)... highest team in the SoCon... second highest in state of TN (Tennessee, 12)… Chattanooga is slotted No. 13 in the latest Collegeinsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll... lone SoCon rep... FUR, VMI, WOF, SAM all received votes.
 
- David Jean-Baptiste became the Mocs all-time leader in 3pt baskets with 1:14 left to go in the first half... the leading three came off the fast break with a steal by Darius Banks... he passes Stephen McDowell '09 who hit 243.
 
- Malachi Smith posted another 20+ scoring effort... ended up with 24 on 7-12 shooting (5-8 3pt) and 5-8 at the FT line... ninth of the season... 183 points (22.9 ppg) in eight road games with 20+ each time... nine straight road games with 20+ dating back to the road finale at Mercer (22) last season.
 
FAN INFORMATION & COVID-19 GUIDELINES
Masks are no longer required for fans inside McKenzie, however, the use of masks is encouraged. McKenzie Arena and parking services will operate on a CASHLESS basis for the 2021-22 season. Ticket purchases at the box office will still accept cash. Will Call will be located at Gate 1.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
In an effort to enhance spectator safety and align with national best-practices, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department has a clear bag policy for home games in all of its athletics facilities. 
 
Fans are allowed to bring in one plastic, vinyl or PVC clear bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" to home games.
 
Other items on the approved list include:
               - Storage Bag:  One Gallon re-sealable clear plastic freezer bag.
                - Small Clutch Purse:  No larger than 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap. 
                - Seat Cushion or Bleacher Chair:  No larger than 16" and no pockets. 
                - Small Diaper Bag:  Must be accompanied by a child. 
 
Prohibited items include:
                - Large Purse
                - Large Tote
                - Non-Clear/Printed Tote
                - Duffel Bag
                - Drawstring Bag
                - Backpack
                - Fanny Pack
                - Camera Bag

FOLLOW CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL
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