Dec. 8, 2010

Box Score

BOSTON -- Three Rams scored in double figures as Rhode Island (6-3) used a strong defensive second half to pull away, 79-67, at Northeastern.

Delroy James led all scorers with 25 points, while also pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with three assists and four steals. Marquis Jones connected on 3-of-4 from the perimeter, en route to scoring 15 points. Nikola Malesevic - in his first collegiate start - added 13 points and two assists.

Northeastern (2-5) started strong, taking an 18-9 lead just five minutes into the ballgame. But Rhody would settle down defensively and scored eight unanswered - capped by two Ben Eaves free throws.

The two teams traded baskets the rest of the way, with five ties and four lead changes. The Huskies led 38-35 with 2:16 left, but Rhody would close the half with a James 3-pointer and driving layup by Malesevic, taking a 40-38 edge at the break.

In the second half, the Runnin' Rams began to pull away, after a Marquis Jones trey as the shot clock expired gave them a 51-44 lead with 14:24 to play in regulation. Two Daniel West free throws with 9:55 left gave URI a double-digit lead - 10 points - at 57-47.

A Will Martell layup would give Rhody its largest lead of the game - 13 points - at 72-59, with just 2:29 left on the clock. The Rams would seal the victory from the foul line, connecting on 7-of-8 to close out the game.

Eaves, West, Martell and Akeem Richmond each added six points, while Anthony Malhoit had two points and five rebounds in just six minutes of action.

The Rams outrebounded the Huskies, 35-28, and held NU to just 31.8% shooting in the second half.

Rhody returns to action, closing out its three-game road swing at Quinnipiac. Game time is set for 3 p.m. and can be seen live on NESN (ch. 56/725 HD).