East Tennessee State vs Chattanooga 03/10/24 - NCAAB Picks & Predictions

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In this showdown at the Harrah's Cherokee Center, the No. 7 East Tennessee State Buccaneers (16-15) face off against the No. 3 Chattanooga Mocs (20-11). The Buccaneers came off a convincing win against UNC Greensboro, 73-62, while the Mocs dominated Wofford, 75-57. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Buccaneers, having strung together impressive victories in their recent outings, seem to have found their rhythm at the perfect time. The triumph over UNCG was a display of resilience and strategic execution, with Ebby Asamoah leading the charge, averaging 15.4 points per game. Asamoah's performance, particularly his three-point shooting, has been pivotal for East Tennessee State, despite overall struggles from beyond the arc, ranking 339th in 3PT% at 29.9. The Buccaneers also rely heavily on Jadyn Parker for his defensive skills, leading the team with 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. 

This rebounding strength, ranking 56th with 35.0 rebounds per game, is a critical component of the Buccaneers game plan. However, offensive efficiency is a concern, with a field goal percentage of just 40.5%, placing them 342nd nationally. The defense has been more reliable, allowing 69.3 points per game, and will need to be at its best against a potent Chattanooga offense.

The Chattanooga Mocs have demonstrated a balanced and efficient offensive approach this season, backed by a strong 20-11 record. They excel in scoring, averaging 78.1 points per game, thanks in large part to Honor Huff's exceptional play. Huff, leading the team with 17.6 points per game, along with Trey Bonham's playmaking, has been instrumental in Chattanooga's success. The Mocs also boast a commendable 46.7% shooting from the field, positioning them 70th nationally. 

This efficiency extends to three-point shooting, where they rank 88th with a 35.8% conversion rate. On the boards, Sam Alexis dominates, pulling down 9.1 rebounds per game, which has helped Chattanooga maintain a solid rebounding average of 33.9 per game. The defensive efforts have been equally impressive, with the team allowing 71.6 points per game. The Mocs' ability to balance scoring with defensive toughness will be crucial in the matchup against East Tennessee State.