Dec. 19, 2010

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 

KINGSTON, R.I. - Senior guard Megan Shoniker netted a career-high 35 points, but it was not enough as the Rhode Island women's basketball team (5-6) dropped a 71-64 overtime decision to American International Sunday afternoon at the Ryan Center.

Shoniker was the only URI player to score in double figures as she set the Ryan Center scoring record, connecting on 11-of-26 shots from the field. The senior guard also fell just two points shy (37 points) of tying the school record set by Rebecca Bright on Jan. 2, 1995.

In addition, Shoniker led the team in scoring for the eighth time this season and became just the third player in school history to finish with 35 points-or-more in a game.

As a team, Rhody held an 11-14 turnover advantage, but was outrebounded 46-38.

Rhody opened up a 14-8 lead at the 12:32 mark of the first half. Shoniker scored seven of the Rams' first 14 points. Nearly seven minutes later, URI opened up an 11-point lead.

AIC fought back with an 18-4 run in the final 5:50 of the first half to take a 31-28 lead into the locker room.

The second half featured six lead changes and six ties. AIC appeared to have the game in control as it took a seven-point lead at 60-53 with 4:17 to go in the game, but the Rams charged back with a furious 9-2 run to rally back and send the game into overtime.

Shoniker and freshman Kerry Wallack scored all nine of URI's points during the stretch.

In the overtime session, URI was outscored 9-2 as the Yellow Jackets secured the win.

Rhody returns to action on Dec. 29 as it heads to Seton Hall. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Walsh Gymnasium.