Chattanooga Mocs vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Pick – 3/18/2025

The Chattanooga Mocs and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are set to face off in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This in-state showdown promises to be a compelling contest between two teams eager to extend their postseason journeys.

Chattanooga Mocs vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Game Preview

The Chattanooga Mocs enter the NIT with a 24-9 overall record, having clinched the Southern Conference regular-season title. Their postseason aspirations took a hit with an 80-77 overtime loss to Furman in the conference tournament semifinals. In that game, junior guard Honor Huff led the scoring with 28 points, showcasing his offensive prowess. Huff has been a consistent performer throughout the season, averaging 15.1 points per game. The Mocs' offense has been efficient, averaging 78.9 points per game on 48% shooting from the field, including a 36.4% success rate from three-point range. Defensively, Chattanooga allows 72 points per game, with opponents shooting 43.3% from the field.

On the other side, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders hold a 22-11 record, finishing as runners-up in Conference USA's regular season. Their conference tournament run ended with a narrow 70-68 loss to Jacksonville State in the semifinals. Guard Jlynn Counter led the team with 18 points in that contest. The Blue Raiders' offense averages 76.2 points per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 71.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 42.1% from the field. Notably, Middle Tennessee boasts a strong perimeter defense, limiting opponents to a 30.6% three-point shooting percentage.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Middle Tennessee is favored by 2.5 points, with an over/under set at 154.5 points. Chattanooga has been impressive against the spread (ATS) this season, posting an 18-11 record. They have excelled on the road, going 11-4 ATS, and are 7-1 ATS as road underdogs. Conversely, Middle Tennessee has a 16-11-2 ATS record, with a 6-7 mark both at home and as home favorites. The over has hit in 16 of Chattanooga's 29 games, while the under has prevailed in 15 of Middle Tennessee's 30 games.

Chattanooga Mocs vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Prediction

This matchup features two closely matched teams, both seeking redemption after conference tournament setbacks. Chattanooga's efficient offense, led by Honor Huff, gives them a slight edge. Their ability to perform on the road, combined with a strong ATS record as underdogs, suggests they could cover the spread. Middle Tennessee's home-court advantage and solid perimeter defense will pose challenges, but the Mocs' offensive efficiency and road performance make them a compelling pick. Therefore, the recommendation is to take Chattanooga to cover the +2.5 spread.