University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior Zaccheus Mason returned from injury in style, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead the Mocs to a 69-64 win over Grand Canyon in the Dr Pepper Classic at McKenzie Arena.
The Mocs (5-8) jumped out to an early lead, but the Antelopes chipped away and were within 4 at the half.
Mason had been out recently with a broken bone in his toe.
In the second half, UTC again stretched their lead but Grand Canyon (5-6) rallied to take a pair of small leads in the middle of the second period before the Mocs regained the lead and held on for the win.
UTC junior Ronrico White scored 11 points in the win, and Martynas Bareinka and Lance Stokes each added 10.
Grand Canyon was led by Killian Larson with 22 points and 13 rebounds, and Daniel Alexander also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
UTC will take on Maine in the tournament championship game at 7 p.m. Monday. The Black Bears upset Middle Tennessee 89-85 in overtime in Sunday's opening game.
See Monday's Times Free Press for more on the Mocs win.