Dec. 22, 2006
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KINGSTON, R.I. -- Joe Mbang scored 14 points and Jimmy Baron added 13 as Rhode Island defeated Boston University, 65-51, tonight at the Ryan Center. With the win, Rhody closed out its four-game December homestand with a 3-1 record, improving to 7-5 overall.
The Rams - who never trailed in the contest - got out to a fast start, leading 13-2 just six minutes into the game. But the URI offense went cold for the next 4:22, until Baron connected on a deep three, making it 16-8 wit 9:37 to go in the half.
"We've got athletes, so we made the decision to play uptempo and run." Baron explained. "When you do that, something has to give, and many times this season it's been our defense. I challenged our guys tonight and I thought they did a good job defensively."
BU would continue to chip away at the Rams' lead, cutting it to three (19-16) with 6:58 left. URI began a 13-7 push on an Mbang trey, and took a 32-25 lead into the locker room at the break. Mbang led the way with nine points.
"I just went out there with energy and focus and tried to help my teammates." Mbang said. "Whether you're a starter or come off the bench, it's the same game and you need to get out there and play."
In the second half, Rhody's offense would kick into high gear. Paced by hot shooting from the outside - including back-to-back treys from Parfait Bitee - the Rams took a 15-point lead and didn't look back. Bitee finished with eight points on the night, as well as a team-high five assists. The Rams would lead by as many as 18 and shoot 58.3% (14-24) in the final frame.
"With Jon going down, Coach told me that I'm going to handle the ball." Bitee explained. "I have to be a leader out there and talk. I feel comfortable as a point guard."
Will Daniels had 10 points, but played just 22 minutes due to four personal fouls. Bitee, Kahiem Seawright, and Darrell Harris scored eight points apiece. Seawright also led the Rams with nine rebounds and three steals. Keith Cothran contributed four points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of action.
"Our bench guys gave us a great effort - the younger guys stepped it up because myself, Will (Daniels), and Darrell (Harris) were in foul trouble." Bitee said.
"Joe and Darrell made some big shots for us. And Parfait did a good job sharing the basketball and getting it to the right people." Baron said.
As a team, URI shot 51.0% (26-51), including 10-for-23 from the perimeter (43.5%). They were 3-for-5 from the line. Rhody outrebounded the Terriers, 31-22, and dished out 15 assists to just 12 turnovers.
"This was a dangerous game for us and we knew that going in." Baron said. "Dennis Wolff (BU head coach) and I go way back, we played against each other, and he does a great job. His teams are always prepared and we were aware of that. But after the DePaul game, a few days off for exams, we knew we had to make a strong effort on the glass and get some key stops. We were able to do that tonight."
Rhode Island returns to action on Dec. 27 when it travels to face Ohio. The game can be heard live on 920 am WHJJ and 99.3 The Bridge FM.
"Anytime you go on the road, you have to have that extra focus." Baron stated. "But we know that at Ohio, then Kansas, it's going to be a great challenge."
Notes: Junior guard Jon Lucky will miss the remainder of the 2006-07 season. The Waterbury, Conn. native underwent successful ankle surgery this morning...Jimmy Baron, who entered the game as the nation's top free throw shooter (26-for-26, 1.000) did not attempt a shot from the charity stripe vs. the Terriers and will fall under the minimum of 2.5 made FT/game and off the national lists...URI dished out 15 assists to 12 turnovers - the fourth game this season in which the assist-to-turnover ratio has been a positive one...Parfait Bitee continues to do a solid job at the point, compiling 15 assists to six turnovers in his last three contests - an a-t-t ratio of 2.5:1 ...Kahiem Seawright narrowly missed his fourth double-double of the season, with eight points and nine rebounds...Will Daniels extended his double-digit scoring streak to 12 games.
