Gee McGhee of UTC passes the ball around Jevon Estelle, left, and Jake Zuilhof of Grand Canyon during their game in the Dr. Pepper Classic on Sunday at McKenzie Arena.For the first time all season University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Will Wade had every player healthy and available to play in a game.
He swapped out Lance Stokes for Martynas Bareika in the starting lineup.
Stokes and the rest of UTC’s bench responded by contributing 30 points in a 69-64 win over Grand Canyon on the first night of the 24th annual Dr Pepper Classic in McKenzie Arena.
“They brought us energy, and that’s what we needed,” said senior Zaccheus Mason who returned after missing two games with an injured big toe. “They brought a lot of help for us offensively and defensively and gave us that extra push when we were kind of stagnant.”
The Mocs (5-8) will face Maine (2-9) which knocked off Middle Tennessee State 89-85 in overtime on Sunday. UTC could win its 15th Dr Pepper Classic tonight starting at 7 p.m.