The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team started off its season in the best way possible.
With a win. On the road. Against a Power Five opponent.
The Mocs put four players in double figures and turned the ball over only 11 times against Rutgers' pressure defense in a 66-53 victory Friday afternoon at The RAC in Piscataway, N.J.
UTC will be at home to face Florida at 6:30 p.m. Monday at McKenzie Arena.
In her first game back since a knee injury cost her all but three games last season, Chelsey Shumpert led the Mocs with 18 points and three assists. Jasmine Joyner chipped in with 13 points, five rebounds and two steals while battling foul trouble throughout. She was replaced in the lineup by sophomore Ashlyn Wert, who had eight points, a pair of rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes of play.
Queen Alford had 12 points and three rebounds, while Keiana Gilbert had a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Rutgers closed to within 37-36 on a pair of Shrita Parker free throws with 5:45 to go in the third quarter, but the Mocs finished the quarter on a 14-4 run and kept the lead in double figures the rest of the way.
The Mocs finished 17-for-18 at the free-throw line, making their last 14 tries.
The Scarlet Knights were led by Parker's 10 points and five assists. Aliyah Jeune and Khadaizha Sanders scored eight points each, with Jeune adding seven rebounds and four steals.