Dec. 18, 2010

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KINGSTON, R.I. - Senior Delroy James scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Rhode Island men's basketball team (7-4) to a 64-52 victory over New Hampshire Saturday afternoon at the Ryan Center.

Today's game was the first at the Ryan Center since Nov. 27. With the win, URI improved to 4-0 at home this season. The Rams also improved to 20-5 when James scores 15 points or more.

Sophomore Nikola Malesevic was the only other URI player to score in double figures as he finished with 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting.

Rhody's win over New Hampshire gave URI its 31st-consecutive victory over a non-conference opponent at the Ryan Center.

Neither squad led by more than five points in the opening 10 minutes of the game. The Wildcats cut the Rams' lead down to two points (17-15) at the 10:18 mark of the first half, but the Rams responded with a an 8-0 run to open up a 25-15 lead with 7:28 remaining in the first half.

The Wildcats cut URI's lead to nine with 4:40 to go until the break, but the Rams would go on another run as they scored seven straight points to take a 16-point lead - its largest lead of the first half - to open up a 37-21 advantage. James scored four points during the stretch.

Rhody took a 37-24 lead into the locker room. James led all first-half scorers and rebounders with 11 points and five boards. Fellow senior Ben Eaves chipped in with nine points off the bench.

UHN cut Rhody's lead to eight (40-32) thanks to an 8-3 run over the first four and a half minutes of the second half. URI fought right back again as it went on an 8-2 surge to take a 48-34 advantage with 12:40 remaining in the game.

In the final five minutes, URI held a 53-45 advantage, but the Rams closed out the game with an 11-7 run to secure the win.

Rhody returns to action on Wednesday as it takes on Lafayette. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.