Dec 28, 2003

Box Score

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Dustin Hellenga scored 16 points and Rhode Island got some critical contributions from its bench in an 18-4 second-half run as the Rams pulled away for an 80-69 win over Iona on Sunday.

Rhode Island (9-2), which has won six straight, went on the run with its top scorers Brian Woodward and Dawan Robinson sitting. Woodward finished with 12 points and Robinson had 11.

Terrence Mack scored six of his 10 points in the critical run and Jamaal Wise had five as Rhode Island stretched a 46-43 lead to 64-47. The Rams' bench outscored Iona's bench 38-7 in the game.

Rhode Island led by as many as 14 points in the first half, but Iona (3-6) ended the half with a 13-1 run to pull within 31-29 at halftime.

Steve Burtt led Iona with a game-high 24 points and Greg Jenkins added 14 points.

Iona played without top scorer DeShaun Williams for most of the game. Coach Jeff Ruland said Williams turned an ankle in practice this week. The senior guard, averaging 12.8 points per game, was held scoreless in six minutes on Sunday.