Dec. 11, 2010
Box Score
HAMDEN, Conn. -- Four Rhode Island players scored in double-figures but it was not enough as the Rams (6-4) dropped a 73-66 decision at Quinnipiac.
Down by three - 69-66 - with 2:01 remaining in regulation, Rhody had three chances to tie the game, but were able to convert. Daniel West had a 3-pointer rattle in and out with 1:47 left. Nikola Malesevic grabbed the offensive board and got fouled, but missed both FT attempts. URI was just 13-of-24 (54.2%) from the charity stripe on the afternoon.
After a defensive stop, Delroy James committed a turnover with 1:08 left and the Rams still down three. Quinnipiac turned the ball over with :37 seconds left, setting up a final chance for Rhode Island. But Marquis Jones was unable to connect from beyond the arc and the Bobcats (7-2) sealed the game on the charity stripe.
The two teams began the contest trading baskets, until a QU began a 15-3 run, taking an 18-10 advantage with 10:24 left in the half. The Rams would respond with an 8-2 push, capped by a Jones jumper from the right elbow, cutting it to 20-18.
Quinnipiac would again push it up to seven points - 28-21 with 4:15 left - and took a 31-28 edge into the locker room at the break.
URI outscored the Bobcats, 14-7, to start the second half and took a four-point lead after James connected on two free throws, making it 42-38. The home team would again respond, this time with 12 unanswered points, taking a 50-42 lead with 12:35 left.
The Bobcats led 67-59 with 5:00 to go in regulation, but Rhode Island would make one last push. Will Martell and Delroy James made three foul shots after a foul and a technical foul by Quinnipiac gave the Rams four FT attempts. Another James layup cut it to three, but that was as close as the Rams would get.
James led all scorers with 18 points, while Marquis Jones had 15 points. Nikola Malesevic and Will Martell each added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Rhode Island is off this week for final exams, but will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 18 when it hosts New Hampshire at 2 p.m. at the Thomas M. Ryan Center.
