Jan. 18, 2006

Stats

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Dawan Robinson scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half and Jamaal Wise had two critical free throws with 21 seconds left as Rhode Island defeated La Salle 71-68 on Wednesday.

Parfait Bitee had a season-high 15 points for the Rams (9-6, 3-1 Atlantic 10), while Steven Smith and Jermaine Thomas each had 16 for La Salle (8-7, 2-2).

The Explorers, who won their first seven games of the season, have now dropped three in a row.

The game had seven lead changes over the last 10 minutes, and saw the Explorers tie the score at 63-63 on a 3-point shot by Thomas. Two free throws by Terrence Mack gave the Rams a 66-64 edge, but Thomas made 1-of-2 from the line with 22 seconds to go.

After Wise made his two clinching foul shots, Robinson made a 3-point play that was followed by a 3-point shot by Darnell Harris with 1 second to go.

Rhode Island held a 34-28 advantage at halftime, led by Bitee, who hit four of five shots, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range.

La Salle made only one field goal over the last 9:28 of the half and committed seven turnovers.