Dec 3, 2003

Box Score

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Brian Woodward scored 16 points and hit crucial free throws down in the final moments as Rhode Island beat Brown 66-62 on Wednesday.

With the Rams trailing 62-59, Woodward sank 7 of 8 free throws in the final 1:36, lifting Rhode Island (4-2) to victory.

After Woodward sank his first two free throws to bring the Rams within one, Brown's Jaime Kilburn lost the ball out of bounds with 50 seconds to play.

Woodward was fouled at the other end of the court and converted both of the ensuing foul shots, giving the Rams a 63-62 lead with 36 seconds left.

Down 57-48 with 4:58 remaining in the game, Brown (2-4) rallied, outscoring URI 14-2 over the next 3:10 and took the lead, 62-59, for the first time since early in the first half. Luke Ruscoe started the run with back-to-back 3-pointers and finished it off with a pair of free throws with 1:48 remaining.

Ruscoe led Brown with 17 points. Patrick Powers added 16 points and Kilburn chipped in 15.

The Rams trailed 27-21 with 5:41 to play in the first half, but outscored the Bears 10-1 to close out the half and take a 31-28 lead at halftime.

URI carried the momentum into the second half, outscoring Brown 17-5 during the opening 7:32 of the second half.

Dustin Hellenga led the Rams' charge, scoring 8 of his 12 points during the run.