The 19th edition of the Chattanooga basketball holiday tradition, the Dr Pepper Classic, tips off Monday in the McKenzie Arena. This year’s classic field features five teams rather than the usual four.
Chattanooga (2-8) will welcome Tennessee Wesleyan (5-5), Murray State (6-5), Niagara (9-2) and Lee (8-2) to the Roundhouse. The schedule is:
Monday
6 p.m. – Niagara vs. Murray State
8 p.m. – Chattanooga vs. Tennessee Wesleyan
Tuesday
6 p.m. – Lee vs. Tennessee Wesleyan
8 p.m. – Chattanooga vs. Niagara
The Mocs are coming home for just the second and third home games of the season. After a 65-61 win at Mississippi Valley State, Chattanooga dropped its most recent game at Alabama, 82-63, last Monday.
Chattanooga is led by seniors Stephen McDowell and Nicchaeus Doaks. McDowell is averaging 18.9 points per game hitting 42.6 percent from three-point range making four three-pointers per game. Doaks adds 14.1 points along with a team-high 9.5 rebounds per game. Junior Ty Patterson chips in 11 points per contest as well.
In 36 Dr Pepper Classic games, the Mocs are 29-7 (.806). Tickets are available at GoMocs.com.