CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two Southern Conference men’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Chattanooga Mocs host the Virginia Military Institute Keydets at McKenzie Arena.

The Mocs (12-17) enter on a modest two-game winning streak after road victories at Mercer and The Citadel last week. The Keydets (6-23), meanwhile, are mired in a nine-game losing skid, their most recent a 62-81 home loss to Western Carolina on Feb. 21.

Despite their records, the season’s first meeting suggests a competitive matchup. VMI upset Chattanooga 79-71 in Lexington, Virginia, on Jan. 3. The Keydets will look to replicate that performance and secure a season sweep.

A key player for VMI is guard TJ Johnson, who has been a consistent bright spot during the losing streak. Over his last eight games, Johnson is averaging 19.0 points, including four performances of 20 or more points. He logged 40 minutes and scored 25 in the Feb. 4 loss to Wofford and poured in 26 points against both Furman and Mercer in recent weeks.

Chattanooga counters with forward Collin Mulholland, who is coming off a double-double in the win at The Citadel. In that 93-72 victory, Mulholland posted 13 points and 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes off the bench. His energy and rebounding will be crucial against a VMI team that relies heavily on its starting guards.

The Mocs have shown improved form lately, averaging 93.5 points in their two consecutive wins after a stretch of inconsistent offensive outings. VMI’s defense has struggled throughout conference play, allowing an average of 84.1 points during its nine-game slide.

Saturday’s contest will be the regular-season finale for both teams before the Southern Conference tournament begins the following week. Chattanooga will aim to build momentum and secure a higher seed, while VMI seeks to halt its prolonged slump and carry a positive result into the postseason.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at McKenzie Arena.