Dec. 4, 2010

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PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Senior Delroy James scored a team-high 25 points, but it was not enough as the Rhode Island men's basketball team dropped an 87-74 decision to Providence College Saturday night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

James was one of four URI players to score in double figures. Teammates Marquis Jones, Daniel West and Nikola Malesevic finished with 15, 13 and 10 points, respectively. All 13 of West's points came from off the bench.

The Rams were out rebounded 42-37 and struggled from the field where they connected on just 38.9 percent from the field. URI did receive a strong contribution from its bench as it outscored PC 25-13.

PC opened the game by scoring the first six points of the game and held Rhody to just two points in the first three minutes. Jones gave the Rams their first field goal at the 16:03 mark.

Rhody's only lead in the first half came with 14:45 to go until the break. Thanks to a jumper by Malesevic.

PC increased its lead to as many as 12 points (38-26) in the opening 20 minutes, but URI fought back as it closed out the first half with a 13-5 run to cut the Friars lead to five (43-39) at the break.

The Friars outshot URI 50.0-46.9 percent. James netted 14 points to lead all first half scorers and Jones chipped in with 12, connecting of 4-of-6 from the field.

In the second half, PC opened its lead to 16 points at 60-44 with 12:03 to go in the game. Rhody charged back with a 14-7 run to cut the Friar lead to nine (67-58) with 7:10 to go.

URI was then held scoreless over the next two minutes as PC increased its lead back to double digits at 70-58 with five minutes to go in the game. In the final five minutes, PC outscored Rhody 17-16 to secure the win.

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