Nov. 6, 2009

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Akeem Richmond led five players in double-figures as Rhode Island cruised to a 93-54 victory over Concordia (Que.) in the first of two preseason exhibition games.

Rhody never trailed in the game, jumping out to a 10 point lead less than four minutes into the game. Concordia cut it to three, after an Evens Laroche layup made it 28-25 with 10:01 remaining in the half.

But a 7-0 push, capped by a Marquis Jones jumper, ignited the Runnin' Rams offense the rest of the half. Richmond connected on a baseline shot as time expired, giving URI a 50-33 edge at the break. Rhode Island shot 58.1% (18-31) in the first half.

Defense was the story in the second half, as Rhode Island held the Stingers to just 29.6% (8-27) from the floor and just 21 points. Richmond - a freshman guard from Sanford, N.C. - heated up from the outside midway through the period, connecting on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. He ended with 19 points.

Will Martell added 15 points and four rebounds, while Keith Cothran had 13, Delroy James 12, and Lamonte Ulmer 11 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

The Runnin' Rams play their second and final preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 10 when Rhode Island College visits the Thomas M. Ryan Center. The game can be seen live locally on Cox Sports Television, as Eric Frede and Abu Bakr call the action.

Fans can also tune into the Beltone New England Rams Radio Network on B101, as Steve McDonald and head women's basketball coach Cathy Inglese provide the call.

For tickets, visit the Ryan Center box office or call (401) 874-RAMS. Tickets are also available on ticketmaster.com.