Nov. 25, 2003

Final Stats

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team handed Miami its first loss Tuesday with a 54-53 victory in the Las Vegas Tournament. It was the Rams' third win in its last four meetings against Big East teams in the past two seasons.

Miami's Darius Rice hit a 3-pointer as time expired, but it was ruled to have left his hand after the buzzer sounded, allowing the Rams to prevail and move to 2-1 on the season.

Rhode Island led by as many as 13 in the first half, but the Hurricanes pulled to within five at the half. The Rams led the entire second half, but Miami cut the lead to one in the closing seconds.

Brian Woodward led the Rams with 13 points and Dustin Hellenga was the only other Ram in double figures with 11 points to go with seven rebounds. Randy Brooks had eight points and J.R. Moore had six points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Darius Rice led the Hurricanes with 12 points. Robert Hite had 11 and Armondo Surratt added 10.

Rhode Island defeated Big East opponents Providence and Seton Hall last season and lost to then-No. 2 ranked Pittsburgh. The Rams play defending national champion Syracuse on Saturday at the Carrier Dome, host Providence on Dec. 6 and play at Seton Hall on Jan. 1.

The Rams (2-1) wrap-up play in the Las Vegas Tournament on Wednesday with an 8 p.m. EST game against Louisana-Monroe.