Score: Villanova 70, VCU 51
Location: Villanova, Pa. (Finneran Pavilion)
 
The short story: Senior guard Jadrian Tracey supplied 12 points and five rebounds for VCU, which fell at Villanova in a season-opening exhibition Sunday night.
 
OPENING TIP

• Tracey, a transfer from Oregon, added two assists and a pair of steals for the Black and Gold, who were making their debut under first year Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr.
• Junior guard Tyrell Ward added 10 points for VCU. He knocked down 2-of-4 from beyond the 3-point arc and corralled three rebounds
• The Rams also received seven points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals from senior forward Barry Evans in his first action in the Black and Gold. Evans starred last season at Bryant under Martelli
• Acaden Lewis led four Villanova players in double figures with 15 points

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU was plagued by poor shooting on the evening. The Rams shot 27 percent (16-of-60) from the field, including 20 percent (5-of-20) from beyond the 3-point arc
• The Rams pulled within 61-49 with 5:11 remaining on a pair of free throws by senior forward Christian Fermin, but could get no closer, as the Wildcats responded with an 8-0 burst 

NOTABLE

• Nine Rams were making their VCU debut Sunday night. Martelli, who led Bryant to the NCAA Tournament last season, welcomed seven transfers and a pair of freshmen into the fold for 2025-26
• VCU grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and owned a 15-4 advantage in second-chance points

NEXT UP
VCU will host Fairfield in its second and final exhibition contest ahead on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.