ANNAPOLIS, MD – Shaka Smart’s high-pressing VCU Rams were in midseason form in the season opener, harassing the Tennessee Volunteers into 19 turnovers as VCU won the opening game of the inaugural Quicken Loans Veterans Classic 85-69 on Friday night.
Melvin Johnson led all scorers with 23 points as the Rams spoiled the debut of new Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall, who moved over from Southern Miss after Cuonzo Martin left Knoxville to take the head coaching job at Cal.
John Sadak and John Thompson called the action on Westwood One Sports.