WHAT IT MEANS

Rhode Island snaps its eight game losing streak with a 79-60 victory over James Madison in game one of the UCF Holiday Classic in Orlando, Fla.  The win moves Rhody into the championship game of the four-team, two-game tournament.  URI will take on host UCF at 7 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE AND BEYOND

* Orion Outerbridge finished two points and one rebound of his career highs in both statistical categories.  As Coach Baron would say, the 6-9 senior stepped up - blocking three shots 17 minutes of play in the second half.  OO shot 7-of-14 from the floor (3-6 3FG), while connecting on all five of his FT attempts.

* In addition to Outerbridge, three other Rhody players scored in double figures – Jonathan Holton had 12 and Mile Powell had 10, while Billy Baron added 17 points off the bench.

* Holton had one of his most efficient games as a Ram, knocking down 6-of-9 from the floor, while grabbing eight rebounds and notching three steal.

* Powell scored seven of his 10 points in the second frame – including a deep 3-pointer with 8:22 to play, giving Rhody a 17-point lead (59-42).

* Baron scored 13 of his 17 in the second half, as he added four boards and three assists in 27 minutes of action.

* The Rams never trailed in the game.  Rhody started the game with two FT attempts, as a JMU player was assessed a technical foul for dunking during pregame warmups.  Andre Malone connected on 1-of-2 before the opening tip.

* Malone added eight points and six boards in 26 minutes of action.

* While the Rams committed 19 turnovers – 11 in the second half – their defense forced 16 JMU mishaps, good for 15 points.

* The Rams shot 50.0% from the floor (27-54) and held the Dukes to just 35.0% (21-60).  It is the lowest a Rhody opponent has shot this season – and the lowest FG% defensive mark since Richmond shot just 32.1% from the floor in the 2011 A-10 Tournament. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Rhode Island continues play in the UCF Holiday Classic on Dec. 30.  The Rams take on host UCF at 7 p.m.  This - and every - Rhody game can be heard live on the Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Rams Radio Network (B101 101.5 FM), with Steve McDonald.