Feb. 15, 2005

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team fell to LaSalle 73-63 Tuesday night at the Ryan Center.

Freshman Parfait Bitee scored a career-high 18 points making five of six shots from behind the three-point line. Bitee scored 15 in the second half as the Rams closed to within 53-48 with 10:19 left, but never got any closer.

"I thought Parfait did a good job stepping up," URI head coach Jim Baron said. "I thought we made a nice comeback but then we missed a couple of pivotal lay-ups and a couple of pivotal jump shots."

Steve Smith scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Explorers (8-15, 4-8 Atlantic 10), while Jermaine Thomas added 18 points in the win.

"Steve gave his usual outstanding performance," LaSalle head coach John Giannini said. "I thought he really wanted the ball, especially late in the game."

Freshman Jon Lucky scored 13 points for the Rams and sophomore Terrence Mack chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Rhode Island (4-18, 2-9 Atlantic 10) led 27-26 with 3:28 left in the first half, but the Explorers went on a 11-2 run to close the first half and led 37-29 at the break.

Rhody travels to Fordham on Sunday afternoon for 2 p.m. tip-off.