What It Means:
Despite its strongest effort in recent weeks, Rhode Island lost its fifth straight game - and fourth straight at home - in a 78-67 loss to Virginia Tech.    

Inside the Box Score and Beyond:
* Junior Nikola Malesevic scored a season-high 23 points to led the Ram offense, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.

* Rhody also had double-digit scoring efforts from senior Jamal Wilson (11 points) and freshman Jonathan Holton (10 points). 

* As a team, Rhode Island (1-8) was 21-for-24 (87.5 percent) from the free throw line. It was the best performance of the year from the charity stripe.  The Rams hit their first 16 attempts from the line.

* Freshman point guard Mike Powell took care of the ball. In 35 minutes, he did not commit any turnovers. Powell had nine points, five rebounds and five assists in a solid all-around performance.

* The team defense for Rhode Island was particularly strong in the first half. The Rams committed just two fouls and limited Virginia Tech to four fast break points.

* With 7:46 remaining in regulation, Virginia Tech (6-3) led by just three points. The Hokies went on a 10-3 run over the next 2:13 to build a 61-51 lead. Rhode Island could not get closer than eight points the rest of the way.  

* After making just 2-for-8 from three-point range in the first half, the Hokies were 5-for-8 after the break.

What's Next:
The Runnin' Rams visit Georgia State on Saturday, Dec. 10.  Tipoff time is set for 2 p.m.  The game will be broadcast live on the Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Rams Radio Network (WHJJ - 920 AM), with Steve McDonald and Don Kaull.  This - and all Rhody games on radio - can be heard on the internet or your iPhone/Blackberry/Android device with the iHeartRadio app.