The set-up: It's Southern Conference action tonight from Johnson City, Tn. as The Citadel Bulldogs (9-16) travel to Freedom Hall Civic Center to take on the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (18-6). The Bulldogs are just 2-10 in league play and come on a seven-game losing streak, while the Buccaneers are 8-3 in conference games, after seeing their four-game winning streak snapped in a 79-76 loss to Wofford this past Monday.

The Citadel: The Bulldogs are the nation's highest scoring team at 93.1 PPG, led by 6-7 sophomore Najdawi (15.7 & 6.9) plus a pair of guards, freshman Parks (15.1) and sophomore Williams (10.2). Seven other contribute between 5.2 and 9.3 PPG but the Bulldogs can't overcome the nation's worst defense, ranking 351st (last!) in both points allowed (97.5 PPG) and opponents' FG percentage (52.9%).

East Tennessee State: The Buccaneers were up by a 62-56 margin midway through the 2nd half against the Terriers but a 12-0 Wofford run gave them a 68-62 lead that they wouldn't relinquish. East Tennessee State shot 50.9% from the floor, including 9 of 18 on threes but 21 TOs did them in. ETSU is a solid offensive team, averaging 80.6 PPG (37th) on 49.0% shooting (17th). The Bucs are led by guards Cromer (18.3) and Bradford (10.7), the team's lone double digit scorers. However, five others are bunched between 7.0 and 8.8 PPG.

The pick: ETSU is clearly the better team but with The Citadel's ability to score, taking the points is the way to go. Make The Citadel an 8* play.