Nov. 28, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA -- Jimmy Baron scored 20 points and Keith Cothran added 18 as Rhode Island held on to beat Penn State, 77-72, in 2008 Hoop Group Philly Classic action tonight at the Palestra.

The Rams (5-1) will face #22/20 Villanova for the tournament title on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised live and shown locally on Cox Sports Television, as well as on Comcast/CN8.

The first half began with both teams showing a hot hand from the floor, as the game was tied, 11-11, just 3:44 into play. After a 3-pointer by Penn State's Danny Morrissey cut it to one, at 19-18, the Rams began to connect from long range.

A deep 3-pointer by Baron with 7:02 to go in the half capped a 10-2 run and gave Rhody its largest lead - nine points - at 29-20. URI also got strong bench play from Lamonte Ulmer (six points, five rebounds, two steals) and Stevie Mejia (three assists) to help with the scoring surge.

The Nittany Lions would rally back with an 11-2 push, tying the ballgame at 31-31 with 1:10 left. But Rhody would take the lead for good on a Cothran jumper with 13 ticks left in the half, taking a 33-31 edge into the break.

The second half would be a back-and-forth affair between the two clubs. Cothran heated up, scoring 11 of the first 16 points of the half. His layup with 12:53 to play gave put Rhody up, 49-46, and began an 11-4 run over the next seven minutes. That run was capped off by a Jones lay-in from Baron, making it a 10-point game (60-50).

The Rams shored up their lead with strong free throw shooting down the stretch. Rhode Island was 11-of-15 from the line in the final 4:47 - including 4-of-4 shooting each from Seawright and Baron - to preserve the victory.

Seawright had a terrific all-around game, with 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a block, and two steals in 31 minutes. Ulmer added eight points and five boards, while Jones chipped in with seven points. Delroy James pulled down eight rebounds.

For the game, URI shot 48.1% from the floor - including 46.7% from beyond the arc (7-15). The Rams were 18-of-22 from the charity stripe, and dished out 15 assists to just nine turnovers.

Steve McDonald and Don Kaull will also provide the live radio call on the Rams Radio Network (WHJJ 920 AM; WJZS 99.3 FM), beginning with the pre-game show at 8 p.m.