Dec. 9, 2006
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KINGSTON, R.I. -- Jimmy Baron scored 21 points, leading four Rams in double-figures in an 85-84 overtime victory over Utah this afternoon at the Ryan Center. The sophomore guard was 6-for-9 from the floor, including 5-of-8 from the perimeter. He knocked down all four of his FT attempts.
Rhode Island was poised to win in regulation, after Keith Cothran grabbed a key offensive rebound and went to the line in the final seconds of the game. The freshman guard, in his appearance of the season, knocked down 1-of-2 from the charity stripe, putting Rhody up 72-69 with :15 seconds remaining. But the Utes' Shaun Green hit a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer to force the extra frame.
"It was a great game for our fans to watch. Both teams battled back and forth, but we were able to come up with a big defensive stop at the end for the win." head coach Jim Baron said. "We played out there last year and took home a tough loss, so our team was determined to play hard and come up with the win tonight at the Ryan Center."
Utah, which did not lead until another Green trey with 3:08 left made it 77-74, fouled Baron with :18 seconds left, and the nation's leading free throw shooter converted both shots. On the Utes' last possession, Utah center Luke Nevill had a good look at the basket, but was swatted by Darrell Harris.
"On that last play, I just tried to do what I did all game." Harris explained. "They were able to get the ball to him, but I was able to play it straight and and got some helpside defense from my teammates. It was a good play."
Harris ended the game with a career-best 11 points to go along with four rebounds, two blocks and three steals in 36 minutes of action.
"Darrell Harris' performance tonight shouldn't go unnoticed." the head coach said. "He did a great job on the offensive end, scoring 11 points, but his defense against Nevill - who I think is a pro - was tremendous."
The shots were falling early for Rhode Island, connecting on its first six attempts from the field - including four three-pointers. For the second straight game, the Rams got their first points by way of the trey - Harris and Will Daniels connected from long-distance. Another trifecta from Baron gave URI a 14-6 advantage with 16:28 left in the half.
But Utah battled back, trimming the Rams' lead to just one - 34-33 with under a minute to play. But Joe Mbang converted a traditional three-point play at the end of the half, and URI took a 38-33 lead into the locker room at the half.
Baron had eight of URI's 13 points in overtime.
"I just try to do it (score) in the framework of our offense." Baron explained. "We run a certain play that, if I'm open, I'll take the shot. But I'm not going to force it. Overall today, we had a great team effort. Darrell (Harris) played great on the defensive end, Keith (Cothran) gave us an added boost off the bench, and Parfait (Bitee) did a great job running the point."
Rhody began the second half on A 13-4 run, capped by a Baron three with 15:56 to play, putting the home team up by 14 (51-37). The Utes put on a 21-10 push over the next 9:30, making it a one-possession ballgame at 61-58 with 6:24 left in regulation. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch before the last-second three forced OT.
"It was a back-and-forth game, with both team matching each other shot-for-shot." said the elder Baron. "We hit a big shot, they hit a big shot, but at the end, it was a big defensive stop that earned us the victory."
Will Daniels scored 15 points, despite playing just 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Parfait Bitee had 11 points and five assists. Joe Mbang added nine points and five boards off the bench, while Keith Cothran contributed six points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Baron addressed the crowd after the win, thanking them for their support.
"The fans were outstanding for us again. And to show my appreciation, I wanted to get on the microphone and thank them." Baron explained. "They're an important part of what we're trying to do here. We have a good team, a beautiful facility, and for our students, our season ticket holders, and the community to support us and give us that extra boost, it was fantastic. It does not go unnoticed by myself, the coaching staff, or the players."
The Rams are off for final examinations next week and return to action on Saturday, Dec. 16 when they host DePaul at the Ryan Center. At that game, the University of Rhode Island's 100th Anniversary Team will be honored, as four former Rhody greats are expected to attend: Steve Chubin '66; Sly Williams '79; Tom Garrick '88; and Tyson Wheeler '98. The first 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative, limited edition set of trading cards featuring the 100th Anniversary team.
Tickets are available at the Ryan Center box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (401) 331-2211, or by logging onto ticketmaster.com.
Notes: Will Daniels extended his double-digit scoring streak to 10 games. The 6-8 junior had 10 points and the break and finished with 15 points. He played just 24 minutes due to foul trouble...The Rams committed a season-low eight turnovers. Parfait Bitee - who handled the bulk of the point guard duties as Jon Lucky missed his second consecutive game - led the way with five assists...For just the second time this season, Rhody was outrebounded, 39-32...Kahiem Seawright, also plagued by foul trouble, scored eight points in 27 minutes of play. he grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, none bigger than on the last play in overtime...The Rams improve to 4-1 at home this season and 42-27 since the Ryan Center opened in 2002 - a .609 winning percentage.
