Nov. 15, 2002

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island's ram-tough defense forced 37 turnovers, turning them into 38 points as Rhode Island defeated Unibanka Cesis of Latvia 85-68 before 2,927 fans at the Ryan Center.

Guard Dawan Robinson, who sat out last season, led the way for the Rams with 18 points and six steals. Senior forward Lazare Adingono turned in another stellar performance with 14 points, seven rebounds and four steals as Rhode Island posted wins in both exhibition games.

Unibanka Cesis took an early lead and led 13-9 with 15:40 left in the first half. The Rams forged an 18-18 tie after junior guard Steve Mello converted two free throws with 9:57 left in the half. A 13-3 run gave Rhode Island a 33-22 lead with 5:23 left and the Rams led 42-34 at intermission.

Leading 46-36 with 18:51 remaining, the Rams reeled off 16 straight points to put the game out of reach, 62-36. Coach Jim Baron substituted liberally throughout the contest and all 13 players saw action in the game. The reserves accounted for 45 points and newcomers scored 46 of Rhode Island's 85 points. Sparked by the defense, Rhode Island attempted 78 field goals while limiting Unibanka Cesis to just 41 shots from the field.

Rhode Island opens the regular season on Nov. 22 when the Rams play at Northeastern at 8:15 p.m.