Dec. 26, 2000

Box Score

By DONNA TOMMELLEO
Associated Press Writer

HARTFORD, Conn. - Caron Butler had 14 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists Tuesday night to lead No. 10 Connecticut to a 87-76 win over Rhode Island.

Butler is the first UConn player to achieve a triple-double since Doron Sheffer did it in the 1995-96 season.

The freshman's performance stood out on a night when neither team got style points for their play. The Huskies (10-1) were coming off a record 31-assist performance in Friday's win over Fairfield, but stumbled and fumbled their way to this victory and were 0-for-8 from 3-point range.

The Rams (10-8) didn't fare much better and couldn't match UConn's quickness and size inside. Both teams combined for 22 turnovers by halftime.

UConn built a 34-26 lead at the break, largely behind the inside play of Johnnie Selvie, who had 16 of his career-high 26 points in the first half.

The Huskies opened the second half with a 9-4 run, getting two quick baskets from center Souleymane Wane. Butler scored 10 of his points in the second half and led by as much as 21 twice.

Tavorris Bell led the Rams with 19 points and nine rebounds. The game also marked the return of Brian Woodward, who was averaging 11 points, before a knee injury sidelined him for seven games. He finished with 16 points.

Zach Marbury, the younger brother of New Jersey Nets' star Stephon Marbury had 17 points for the Rams.

UConn holds a 77-68 all-time edge over Rhode Island and has beaten the Rams six straight games. The programs are two of the most successful in New England.