RICHMOND, Va. – Defense travels.
That was the mantra throughout Thursday's practice and Friday's shoot-around in preparation for Middle Tennessee's game against VCU Friday night.
Indeed, it did.
Middle Tennessee's smothering defense was the difference as the Lady Raiders rolled to a 54-46 win in a matchup of two NCAA Tournament teams from last season.
The defending Atlantic-10 champions couldn't solve a Middle Tennessee defense that allowed 11 first-half points and limited the Rams (0-1) to 3-of-21 shooting from the field in the opening half.
"This team gets after it on the defensive end.