March 5, 2005

KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team fell 68-39 to George Washington on Senior Day at the Ryan Center on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Scott Hazelton led the Rams with 12 points and six rebounds. Freshman Will Daniels added nine points and grabbed eight rebounds for Rhode Island.

Rhody came out strong and lead 10-6 with 16:15 to play in the first half. The Rams kept it close and trailed 29-25 with 4:07 left until halftime, but the Colonials scored eight of the half's final 10 points and led 37-27 at halftime.

"They were able to get offensive rebounds early and keep it at their pace," George Washington head coach Karl Hobbs said.

Rhode Island struggled from the field shooting 26 percent for the game, and was unable to beat the Colonials' trapping defense all afternoon.

"They throw so much different action at you," Rhody head coach Jim Baron said. "It's hard with our inexperienced guards."

J.R. Pinnock scored a game-high 17 points and Carl Elliott added 14 points for George Washington.

"You've got to give GW credit," Baron said. "They are one of the top teams in the league. You have to make your shots and you can't turn the ball over."

Hazelton and fellow seniors Randy Brooks, Jeff Kalapos and Marcel Momplaisir were honored before the game, the team's final home game before the Atlantic 10 tournament begins March 9.

"It's tremendous to share Senior Day with these four guys," Baron said. "We've been to the postseason with them the last two years. They've done a tremendous job."

The Rams now travel to Cincinnati, Ohio where they will play in the Atlantic 10 tournament's first game Wednesday at noon against Richmond.