Notes: VCU 85, Tennessee 69

Nov. 14, 2014

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LID-LIFTERS

The Veterans Classic marked the Volunteers' second straight season-opener away from Knoxville. Tennessee opened last season at Xavier.
Prior to that contest, the Big Orange had opened 13 straight seasons at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Entering its 106th season of varsity hoops, UT owns a 1,553- 986-2 (.612) all-time record.
Donnie Tyndall is 3-6 as a DI head coach in season-openers.

FOR STARTERS

Tennessee's starting five to tip off 2014-15: forward Armani Moore, forward Derek Reese, guard Kevin Punter, guard Josh Richardson and guard Robert Hubbs III
Richardson has started at least 1 game all four years of his career, including 30+ as a sophomore and junior
Friday marked the first start for Reese, Punter and Hubbs.
Moore started his first game since his freshman year when he started 16. He did not start in either of the Vols' exhibition games.
Sophomore Dominic Woodson, who started at forward in the two exhibitions, was the first off the bench.

TEAM DEBUTS

Seven players made their Tennessee debuts: Punter, Woodson, Tariq Owens, Detrick Mostella, Jabari McGhee, Willie Carmichael III and Ian Chiles.
Four of those players are freshmen: Owens, Mostell, McGee and Carmichael.

MOSTELLA'S BIG DAY

In his career debut, Mostella tied a team high with 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. He was also 4-of-6 from the free throw line.
He provided a spark in the second half, scoring 11 of his points after halftime
He played 22 minutes, one of six Vols to play more than 20 minutes.

DOUBLE DIGITS

Before fouling out with 3:50 left, Richardson finished his night with 17 points of 6-of-13 shooting and 4-4 free throws. He also had 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
He had 22 games of at least 10 points last year and now has 33 in his career.

I WILL

To honor Knoxville native Will McKamey, who passed away March 25 after collapsing while taking part in spring practice as a freshman running back on the Navy football team, the Tennessee players wore white pregame shooting shirts with the words "I WILL" on the front and "McKamey 41" on the back.
The phrase "I WILL" has become a well-known way to memorialize McKamey at the U.S. Naval Academy. The football team's helmets this season all bear "I WILL" decals.
On social media, users have shared their memories of McKamey by posting the hashtag #Iwill."
McKamey's family attended Tennessee's practice on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Afterwards, Donnie Tyndall presented each family member with an "I WILL" shirt, and Will's father, Randy McKamey, addressed the team.

UP NEXT: TEXAS SOUTHERN

Tennessee's home-opener pits the Vols against Texas Southern Thursday, Nov. 20 (7 p.m. ET, FSN).
Now in their sixth season under head coach Mike Davis, the Tigers went 19-15 (12-6 SWAC) last year. Davis previously has served as the head coach at Indiana and UAB.
Texas Southern lost its opener Friday to Eastern Washington 86-62.
Senior Tigers forward Jose Rodriguez is an All- SWAC candidate, while Marshall transfer Chris Thomas is a candidate for SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors.
The Vols have never previously faced Texas Southern on the hardwood.
Tennessee and Texas Southern both appeared in the "First Four" round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. The Vols advanced by rallying to beat Iowa. Texas Southern fell to Cal Poly.

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