WHAT IT MEANS

Rhode Island (3-13, 0-1 A-10) dropped its conference opener as Richmond (10-7, 1-1 A-10) stayed hot from behind the arc. For the night, the Spiders shot 52.4 percent (11-for-21) from 3-point land, including 7-for-11 in the second half.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE AND BEYOND

* Sophomore Billy Baron led the team in scoring for the second game in a row, finishing with 14 points. Baron also made his only free throw attempt, and has made 13 straight from the line dating back to the game against James Madison on Dec. 29.

* Junior Andre Malone had his best offensive night for Rhode Island, reaching double figures for the first time as a Ram. Malone had 10 points on 4-of-9  shooting from the floor, including 2-of-5 from 3-point land.

* Freshman Mike Powell scored 12 points, reaching double digits for the fifth straight game. He also matched his career highs in free throw makes and attempts, shooting 7-for-8 from the stripe.

* Freshman forward Jonathan Holton led the team with a career-high four assists. Holton also scored six points and had six rebounds.

*Guard Kendall Anthony scored 13 points and had six assists off the bench for Richmond. The Spiders also received double-digit scoring efforts from Darien Brothers (19 points, 4 assists, 4 steals) and Francis Martel (13 points, 3 rebounds).

WHAT'S NEXT

Rhode Island is off until Wednesday, Jan. 11 when it travels to George Washington (7 p.m.).  The game can be seen on Cox, with CBS providing regional coverage in the Washington, D.C. area.  This – and every – Rams' game can be heard live on the Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Rams Radio Network (B101 101.5 FM), with Steve McDonald and Don Kaull.