Feb. 12, 2000

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) - Brian Chase scored a career-high 23 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead Virginia Tech over Rhode Island 65-61 in the Atlantic 10 on Saturday.

Roland Roberts added 17 points and Dennis Mims had a career-high 15 rebounds for Virginia Tech (12-12, 5-6).

Rhode Island was led by Zach Marbury's 21 points. Luther Clay and Tavorris Bell added 15 apiece. The loss was the seventh straight for the Rams (5-19, 2-9).

Virginia Tech was led by the strong inside play of Mims and Roberts and Chase's long-range shooting. His back-to-back 3-pointers in the first half broke open a close game, while his last 3-pointer midway through the second half stopped a 7-0 Rhode Island run.

Virginia Tech took the lead for good 8-7 with 14:47 left in the first half on a basket by Mims. The Hokies led 26-23 at halftime, and held 9-point leads six times in the second half.

Rhode Island closed to within two, 44-42, with 10:02 remaining on three straight free throws by Bell. But a Chase 3-pointer and a pair of Roberts free throws reopened the Hokies' lead to seven, and Virginia Tech was never threatened the rest of the way.

Virginia Tech outshot the Rams from the field 49 to 38 percent, and outrebounded Rhode Island 40-32.