Feb. 9, 2005

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team fell to the University of Massachusetts 49-44 Wednesday in the Ryan Center.

Freshman Will Daniels led the Rams with 15 points and nine rebounds. It was Daniels' third-straight game scoring in double--digits and his sixth time in double-figurest this season. His career-high nine rebounds left him one short of his first collegiate double-double.

"I was proud of the group we had in there," URI head coach Jim Baron said. "Will Daniels did a nice job. He gave us high energy and stepped up."

The Rams trailed 20-14 at the end of the first half, and 45-33 with 5:25 left in the game. URI scored the next five points and trailed 45-38 with 2:50 to go, but failed to capitalize on poor UMass free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Senior Scott Hazelton contributed eight points and eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

Rhode Island out-rebounded 45-30, but the Rams shot just 30.5-percent from the field.

"We did a good job rebounding," Baron said, "but we really miss Dawan (Robinson) and Jamaal (Wise)."

Robinson, a preseason first-team All-Atlantic 10 selection, and Wise, a projected starter, are both out for the season with injuries.

Maurice Maxwell led the Minutemen (12-8, 6-4 Atlantic 10) with 14 points and Rashaun Freeman added 10 in the win.

"That's the difference," UMass head coach Steve Lappas said. "These guys are playing better and we have become a much better defensive team."

Rhode Island (4-16, 2-7 Atlantic 10) travels to St. Bonaventure to play the Bonnies on Saturday at 7 p.m.