Dec. 9, 2008

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KINGSTON, R.I. - Five Rams scored in double figures as the Rhode Island men's basketball team (7-3) defeated New Hampshire, 88-56, Tuesday night at the Ryan Center.

The Rams have now won their last 11 matchups - and 15 of their last 16 - against non-conference opponents at home. UNH's 56 points were the fewest the URI has allowed this season.

"We had a really good team effort from our guys, especially after a long weekend," head coach Jim Baron said. "There was great balance and we got some quality minutes from our bench. We are going to need everyone to chip in this year. Our three walk-ons gave us a lot of energy."

Junior guard Keith Cothran led all scorers with a game-high 14 points, connecting on 4-of-12 from the field.

"We were a little sluggish at the start, but we had a lot of energy coming off the bench," Cothran said. "We have learned a lot from our seniors - Jimmy, Kahiem and Jason have showed us the way."

Fellow guard Jimmy Baron reached double-figures as he scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting.. The URI senior has reached double-digits in scoring in 12-consecutive games.

Juniors Delroy James (11) and Lamonte Ulmer (10) and senior Kahiem Seawright (10) also reached double figures in scoring.

Rhody opened the game by scoring the first six points and held the Wildcats to just two points in the first four minutes.

UNH would then take a 7-6 lead with 15:10 to go in the first half, but that would be the last time the Wildcats would hold the lead for the remainder of the game as the Rams went on a 14-3 run over the next six minutes to take a 22-10 lead with 8:44 in the first half.

The Rams went into the locker room with a 37-23 lead after shooting 48.3 percent from the field in the 20 minutes.

Coming out of the locker room, Rhody held the Wildcats without a field goal for the first four and a half minutes of the second half as URI increased its lead to 22 points (48-26) with 14:49 to go in the game.

URI outscored UNH 51-33 in the second half. Rhody 51 second half points are the most they have scored in the final 20 minutes so far this season.

Rhode Island returns to action on Saturday as it welcomes Central Connecticut. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.