Nov. 21, 2010

Box Score

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Marquis Jones scored a career-high 21 points and Delroy James added 16 as Rhode Island dropped a 74-68 decision to UIC in the third game of the 2010 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

Jones was 9-of-14 from the floor - including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also added two assists and three steals. James - who was named to the subregional all-tournament team - was 6-for-12 from the floor before fouling out in 21 minutes of action.

The Rams (3-2) and Flames (3-2) traded baskets for much of the first half, as both neither team gained more than a five-point advantage. After UIC took a five-point lead - 16-11 with 8:37 left - Rhody would go on a 15-5 run, capped by an Akeem Richmond 3-pointer with 1:50 left in the period. The Rams would lead 26-22 at the break.

After a Jones 3-pointer and James layup gave Rhody a 31-24 lead less than a minute in, UIC took over. The Flames shot 71.4% from the floor in the second half and broke the game open with a 24-9 run over a 7:09 span.

Rhody would mount a late comeback. After UIC took a 55-48 lead with 8:51 left in regulation, the Rams went on a 7-1 push, capped by a Daniel West 3-pointer, which tied the ballgame at 56-56 with 5:15 left.

But that was as close as the Rams would get. Rhody had another chance to tie, down three points - 62-58 - but a Delroy James 3-point attempt fell short with 2:20 remaining.

Martell added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Richmond had eight. For the game, URI was outrebounded, 41-30.

The Rams return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 24 when they host Drexel at the Thomas M. Ryan Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit ExperienceRhody.com.