Nov. 5, 2003

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - Brian Woodward scored a game-high 24 points, while Dustin Hellenga and Terrence Mack each posted double-doubles as the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team won its exhibition opener 84-77 over GT Express on Wednesday in the Ryan Center.

Woodward, the Rams' leading scorer last season, was 7-of-14 from the field and 10-of-14 from the foul line, along with dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds.

Hellenga was Rhode Island's second-leading scorer on the night with 18 points, connecting on 3-of-7 from behind the 3-point arc, and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Mack, who saw limited action as a reserve last year as a freshman, had 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and grabbed 15 rebounds in 28 minutes.

Junior transfer Randy Brooks reached double-figures in his first game suiting up for the Rams with 12 points and senior Steve Mello chipped in with eight points.

Shane Nicely led GT Express with 18 points and Dan Zapior had 12.

The Rams led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but GT Express cut the lead to just three with under two minutes to play, but a Woodward leaner in the paint put the Rams' up five and GT Express didn't get any closer.

Rhode Island plays its second and final exhibition game on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryan Center.