Nov. 29, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Jimmy Baron scored a game-high 23 points as Rhode Island dropped a 78-65 decision to #22/20 Villanova in the championship game of the 2008 Hoop Group Philly Classic.

Baron was 8-for-15 from the floor, connecting on 2-of-5 from the perimeter and 5-of-6 from the charity stripe in 34 minutes of action. For his efforts, he and teammate Keith Cothran were named to the all-tournament team. Cothran added 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists on the evening.

The two teams traded baskets to start the game, before Villanova began to pull away, taking a 17-8 lead just five minutes into the ballgame. The Wildcats would lead by as many as 10 points in the opening frame, before two Will Martell free throws cut it to 31-28 with 2:56 left. Villanova would lead 40-33 at the break.

In the second half, Nova has a 7-2 push to start play, pushing its lead to 12 points early on. Two Baron free throws with 6:47 to play cut it to nine points - at 63-54 - but that was as close as it got.

Kahiem Seawright added seven points and eight boards despite playing in foul trouble. Ben Eaves and Will Martell added six points apiece.

The loss snapped URI's four-game win streak and extended its slide against ranked opponents to 14 games.

For the game, URI shot 41.5% from the floor and just 23.1% from the outside. They were outrebounded, 40-34, and committed 14 turnovers. The Rams' defense, however, held Villanova to just 40.3% from the floor and just 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.

Next up for Rhode Island is a Dec. 3 matchup at Northeastern. Game time is set for 7 p.m.