It was a slow first half, but the Virginia Cavaliers walked away from the Barclays Center with the NIT Season Tip-Off Championship title under their belt, defeating the Rhode Island Rams 70 to 55, bringing home their fifth early-season tournament title under head coach Tony Bennett.
Rhode Island had upset No. 20 Seton Hall on Thursday night 75-74 to earn the right to face Virginia in the championships. Offensively, the Rams gave Virginia fits with high octane speed and dribble penetration, while on the other end of the court, the Rams brought out one of the most stifling defenses the Hoos have battled this year with tight man coverage from the get go.