Box Score
How It Happened
Despite a strong defensive effort, Rhode Island (5-10, 0-2 Atlantic 10) struggled from the floor in the second half and fell to Charlotte 58-50 Saturday.
After shooting 52.4 percent (11-for-21) on field goal attempts in the first half, Rhode Island managed just 26.9 percent (7-for-26) after the break. Charlotte (14-2, 2-0 A-10) was actually worse from the floor, shooting 37.3 percent for the game, but the 49ers outrebounded Rhody 45-25. The edge on the board led to 13 second chance points for Charlotte, compared to just two for the Rams.
Inside the Box Score
* The 52.4 percent from the floor was the highest Rhode Island has shot in a first half this season, and its third-best percentage overall. Rhody shot 57.7 percent (15-for-26) in the second half against SMU, and 54.5 percent (12-for-22) in second half of the Georgia State game.
* Conversely, the 26.9 percent in the second half was Rhode Island's second worst shooting performance in a half this season. The Rams made just 25.8 percent (8-for-31) of its field goals in the first half against Brown.
* Sophomore guard Mike Powell scored a team-best 16 points, marking the third time this season he has led the team. He also had five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 37 minutes.
* Senior guard Andre Malone had 13 points for Rhody, his 10th time reaching double figures this year. He also had a team-high five rebounds.
* Junior guard Xavier Munford was limited to just six minutes of action in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. The team's leading scorer did not have a shot attempt in the first half, and finished with eight points on 3-for-12 shooting.
* Sophomore guard T.J. Buchanan had a season-best six points, all of which came in the first half. He showed an ability to get himself to the free throw line, where he had a career-high eight attempts, thought he made just four. Entering the game, Buchanan had shot 12 free throws this season.
* The loss snapped a four-game winning streak at the Ryan Center. Rhody's last loss at home was to George Mason on Nov. 28.
* Both teams struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, combining to go 0-for-16 on 3-point shots. Rhode Island was 0-for-11, while Charlotte was 0-for-5.
* Despite the loss, this was the seventh time this season Rhode Island has held its opponent to 60 points or less.
What's Next:
The Rams are off for a full week before they travel to Saint Louis for an A-10 contest Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m.
Steve McDonald and Don Kaull return to bring you the call on the Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Rams Radio Network (B101 101.5 FM). This - and all Rhody games on radio - can be heard on the Internet or your smartphone device through iheart.com or the iHeartRadio app.
