March 2, 2003

Box Score

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Dawan Robinson scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in a pivotal second-half run as Rhode Island snapped a four-game losing streak with a 65-58 victory over Massachusetts on Sunday.

Rhode Island (16-10, 8-7 Atlantic 10) trailed 38-27 when Rhode Island went on a 21-6 run. Robinson scored eight consecutive points during the run and Steve Mello's jumper with 12:28 to play gave Rhode Island a 43-42 lead it never relinquished.

Robinson scored 23 in the second half on 7-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range. Brian Woodward added 12 points for Rhode Island.

Micah Brand led Massachusetts with 18 points and Michael Lasme had 15.

Massachusetts (11-16, 5-9) hit seven 3-pointers in the first half and took a 34-25 at halftime.

The Minutemen shot 12-of-22 from the floor over the final 11:42 of the first half.

Rhode Island, which clinched home court for the first round of the conference tournament with the win, led 13-2 after holding Massachusetts to just one field goal in the first 8:17. But Massachusetts went on a 19-4 run to take a 21-17 lead with 6:23 to play in the first. Lasme hit four 3-pointers during the run.