Preview: Chattanooga State Tigers at Volunteer State Pioneers

GALLATIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Volunteer State Pioneers will look to halt a five-game skid when they host the Chattanooga State Tigers in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The Pioneers (6-14) are coming off a 102-85 home loss to Roane State on Saturday. Volunteer State has struggled defensively during its losing streak, allowing an average of 98.2 points per game in those five contests. A player to watch for the Pioneers is Maxwell Moore.

The Tigers (10-9) aim to bounce back from a narrow 72-66 road loss at Columbia State on Saturday. Chattanooga State has lost three of its last four games but won the season’s first meeting against Volunteer State decisively, 80-61, on Nov. 8, 2025.

Chattanooga State guard Azavier Zanders is a key figure entering Monday’s contest. In the loss to Columbia State, Zanders logged 30 minutes, contributing 11 points, five rebounds and five assists. His all-around play will be central to the Tigers’ efforts. In the November win over Volunteer State, Chattanooga State’s defense held the Pioneers to 61 points, a mark they will seek to replicate.

Volunteer State’s recent results show a team battling defensive consistency. Prior to the Roane State defeat, they fell 83-59 at Dyersburg State. Their last victory was a 66-64 win at Motlow State on Jan. 31.

For Chattanooga State, alongside Zanders, Nicholas Long (10 points, five rebounds, five blocks vs. Columbia State) and John Monzele (12 rebounds vs. Columbia State) have provided recent production.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a high-scoring and even affair, with a predicted final score of Volunteer State 100, Chattanooga State 100.

Tip-off is scheduled for Monday night at Volunteer State’s home court.