Nov. 20, 1999

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) - Fred Vallett threw two touchdowns passes to lead Northeastern over Rhode Island 20-10 Saturday.

The win snapped the Huskies' nine-game losing streak and kept Northeastern (2-9, 1-7) from a winless conference season.

Northeastern led 13-0 in the second quarter before Rhode Island (1-10, 1-7) pulled to within three points on Ryan Szczesniak's 27-yard field goal and John Williams' 2-yard touchdown run. But Northeastern pulled away with 17 seconds left in the first half on Vallett's 1-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mack, who caught seven passes for 175 yards.

Vallett's other scoring pass was an 11-yarder to David Sofran.

The game was the final one for URI coach Floyd Keith, who announced his resignation two weeks ago. He compiled a 23-53 record in seven seasons. With losses mounting and attendance falling, the school had considered dropping football. But school officials said this week that there will be a team next season.