March 17, 2004

Box Score

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island opened a double-digit lead in the first six minutes and was never threatened in an 80-52 win over Boston University in the opening round of the NIT on Wednesday.

Steve Mello led Rhode Island with 13 points and Dawn Robinson added 12.

Rashad Bell and Chaz Carr each had 14 points for Boston University (20-6).

Rhode Island (20-13) opened the game by scoring the first nine points, and led 17-4 with 12:16 to play in the first half. The Rams led 43-20 at halftime.

Rhode Island surpassed the highest point total scored on Boston University this season with 7:27 remaining as Mello hit a 3-pointer for a 75-39 lead. BU came in ranked 12th in the nation with 58.8 points allowed per game.

The Terriers also struggled offensively in the first half, missing all 13 of its 3-point attempts.

Boston University scored the first five points of the second half, but a 15-2 Rhode Island run quickly put the game out of reach.

Rhode Island will face West Virginia in the next round of the NIT on Friday.