- Middle Tennessee (22-11) rides a 7-3 streak into Tuesday's NIT clash
- Chattanooga (24-9) enters with nine wins in their last ten games
- Critical defensive battle: MTSU allows 42.2% FG vs Chattanooga's 48% shooting
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and Chattanooga Mocs are set to collide in a highly anticipated NIT matchup at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro this Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT. Both teams enter the tournament with impressive resumes, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason showdown.
Middle Tennessee’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, ranking sixth in Conference USA by limiting opponents to 71.4 points per game. Their ability to disrupt shots—holding rivals to 42.2% field goal accuracy—will face a stern test against Chattanooga’s high-powered offense, which leads the Southern Conference with a 48% shooting average. This clash of styles could determine who advances in the NIT bracket.
Chattanooga’s recent dominance cannot be overlooked. The Mocs have secured nine victories in their last ten outings, fueled by Honor Huff’s 15.3 points per game and a defense that averages 23.5 defensive rebounds. However, Middle Tennessee’s home-court advantage and Jestin Porter’s 14.9-point scoring average add intrigue to this Tennessee-based rivalry.
Three-point shooting may prove decisive. The Blue Raiders average 7.6 made threes per game—just shy of the 8.2 that Chattanooga typically allows. If MTSU can exploit this gap, they could tilt the scales in their favor. Meanwhile, the Mocs’ Bash Wieland (13.7 PPG in recent games) brings momentum into this nationally televised contest.
Regional postseason history adds context to this matchup. Tennessee teams have won 60% of their NIT home games since 2015, a trend Middle Tennessee aims to continue. With both programs eyeing a deep tournament run, expect a fierce battle showcasing mid-major basketball at its finest.