Belmont Bruins vs UT Chattanooga Moccasins Point Spread Picks

Belmont has lost three of its four road games surrendering 89, 77, and 87 points in the three defeats. Belmont was actually favored in two of those games. UT Chattanooga is off to a strong start, especially at home where they've won five of six. The offense shoots 48% as a team with 7-foot senior center Jake Stephens (21.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg) pounding the low post, plus they shoot 39.8% from 3-point land. Stephens has been a terrific addition after playing at VMI the previous four seasons. UT Chattanooga was 9-1 last season when they lost at Belmont in a close one. Home court and the addition of Stephens will be difference-makers, so back the home team to win the game. Play UT Chattanooga on the moneyline.

Belmont is 8-3 and has won and covered three in a row after defeating Saint Louis on the road 64-59 as a 2.5-point underdog on Dec. 7. The Bruins won while shooting only 44 percent, but while holding the Billikens to just 40 percent and Will Richard led Belmont with 15 points. Belmont is picked to win the Ohio Valley Conference after finishing 26-4 last season. Chattanooga doesn't expect to shoot nearly as well as in its 104-55 win over small-school Tennessee Wesleyan on Sunday. The Mocs hit 40 of 69 shots for 58 percent and they average 48.9 percent on the season. The Bruins have played the tougher schedule so far and have wins over Drake and Iona. Take Belmont on the moneyline.