Dec. 20, 2008
Box Score
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Five Rams scored in double-figures, led by Kahiem Seawright's 17 points, as Rhode Island (8-4) dropped an 86-82 decision to Oklahoma State in the O'Reilly Auto Parts All-College Classic.
Seawright was 6-of-12 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the line for Rhode Island, which had its seventh game shooting 50.0% or better from the floor.
The Rams and the Cowboys played it even offensively through the opening 10 minutes of play - with four ties and three lead changes during the span. After a Seawright jumper with 10:18 left in the period cut the Rhody deficit to just one - at 19-18 - Oklahoma State rattled off a 13-4 run over the next three minutes to take a 10-point lead (32-22) with 7:29 left in the half.
URI's Marquis Jones would heat up from the floor, helping the Rams close out the opening frame on a 22-6 run. The sophomore point guard scored 12 of his career-high 15 points during the stretch, including two 3-pointers and 4-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe. Rhody would lead, 44-38, at the break.
In the second half, OSU would score six quick points to knot the score at 44-44 - the fifth tie of the contest. The two teams would continue their back-and-forth play, as a Jimmy Baron triple made it 51-51 with 16:28 to play in regulation.
Oklahoma State would open up a seven-point lead, after a 15-8 push made it 66-59 with just under nine minutes to play. But again, Rhody would fire right back, outscoring the Cowboys 9-1 over the next two and a half minutes, thanks to a pair of Delroy James layups and capped by two free throws from Seawright.
Baron would force the game's 10th tie on a 3-pointer, making it 73-73 with 4:44 to play. But Oklahoma State would convert two free throws on its next possession, taking the lead for good.
Seawright would be named to the All-College Classic team, along with James Anderson of Oklahoma State, Tony Crocker and Blake Griffin of Oklahoma, and Bradford Burgess of VCU.
Baron added 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Jones had 15 points (3-4 3FG). James and Keith Cothran each added 12 points for Rhody. Lamonte Ulmer added eight points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench.
