March 17, 2009

Box Score

LEWISTON, N.Y. -- Seniors Jimmy Baron, Kahiem Seawright and Jason Francis combined for 51 points as the No. 6 seeded Rhode Island men's basketball team (23-10) defeated No. 3 seeded Niagara 68-62 in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament Tuesday night.

With the win, Rhody collected its first NIT victory since March 17, 2004 where it defeated Boston University 80-52.

The victory also snapped Niagara's seven-game home winning streak and ended the Rams two-game skid as they made their 13th appearance in the NIT. In addition, Rhody improved to 7-6 in NIT first round contests.

Seawright led all scorers with 23 points 20 of which came in the second half. Baron finished with 20 points as he reached double-figures in scoring for the 30th time this season.

Francis came off the bench and chipped in with a career-high eight points.

As a team, Rhody outshot Niagara 50.0 (26-of-52) to 35.6 percent (21-of-59). URI also held a 38-29 rebounding advantage.

In the first 12 minutes of the opening half, both teams remained close as neither squad led by more than five points.

With five minutes remaining of the first half, Niagara made its move, opening up a nine-point lead (2:10). Rhody responded as it cut the Purple Eagles lead to four (32-28) heading into the locker room.

In the second half, Niagara opened its lead to seven points (41-34) with just under 15 minutes remaining in the game.

Rhody fought back as it posted a 9-0 run over the next two and a half minutes to take a 43-41 lead. Seawright scored all nine of those points during that stretch. NU reclaimed the lead at 46-45 with 8:57 to go, but that was last time the Purple Eagles would hold the lead.

In the final five minutes, URI outscored NU 15-11. Baron scored six points from the free throw line in the final 40 seconds to secure the win.

Rhode Island continues play in the NIT at 7 p.m. on Thursday when it travels to Penn State. Fans can follow the action live on the Rams Radio Network (WHJJ 920 AM; WJZS 99.3 FM) with Steve McDonald and Don Kaull. The Cox Communications pre-game show will begin at 6:30 p.m.