Jan 4, 2004

Box Score

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Dawan Robinson scored 24 points to lead Rhode Island to a 68-53 victory over Fordham Sunday in the Atlantic 10 Conference opener for both teams.

Fordham (2-9, 0-1) pulled within 53-46 on a free throw by Mushon Ya-akosi with 7:53 to play, but Robinson hit two straight 3-pointers to boost the advantage back to 13 points - and Rhode Island was out of danger.

Rhode Island (11-3, 1-0) had gone over five minutes without scoring prior to those two baskets by Robinson, who also had six assists.

Dustin Hellenga added 13 points for Rhode Island and Brian Woodward pulled within 11 points of 1,000 in his career with a 10-point outing.

Ya-akosi and Michael Haynes, who each scored 15 points, led Fordham. Fordham trailed just 33-29 at halftime, despite playing without Mark Jarrell-Wright (15.3 ppg) and John Blackgrove (14.2 ppg) who were both injured.

Rhode Island was accurate from outside, dropping in eight of 17 three-point shots, led by Robinson who completed three of six. Fordham couldn't find the basket from three-point range, making only three out of 20 attempts.

Fordham also lost Drew Williamson to a sprained ankle in the first half.