COL BKB: Tennessee 77, Va. Commonwealth 72

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Scotty Hopson scored 18 points Wednesday and No. 24 Tennessee fought off Virginia Commonwealth in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off 77-72.

Tennessee will meet either UCLA or Villanova in the tournament's title game Friday.

The Volunteers had only a one-point lead at halftime, but built a comfortable cushion down the stretch. They easily withstood two 3-pointers by the Rams in the final 30 seconds.

Tennessee remained unbeaten in four games, getting 15 points from Tobias Harris and nine from Brian Williams.

Virginia Commonwealth (3-1) was led by Brandon Rozzell, who made 6-of-11 from 3-point range and finished with 23 points. The Rams were trying for their first 4-0 start in 17 years.