How It Happened
Rhode Island (6-4) had a chance to win at the buzzer, but a fallaway jumper by E.C. Matthews was short as the Rams were edged 50-49 by Providence Thursday.

With the score tied, Rhody forced a missed layup by Bryce Cotton, but Jarelle Reischel was called for fouling Kadeem Batts on the rebound. Batts made one of two at the line with 22.1 seconds left to provide the Friars (8-2) with the winning point.

The second half was nip and tuck the whole way. Rhode Island forced three ties and cut the lead to one point four times, but the Rams were unable to take the lead.

Inside the Box Score

• Gilvydas Biruta led the offense with 13 points and seven rebounds. Biruta's play helped the Rams to a 38-26 advantage in the paint.
• Xavier Munford also reached double digits, finishing with 11 points. It was his eighth straight game with 10 or more, and his ninth time this season scoring in double figures.
• Despite the defensive intensity of the game, both teams took care of the ball. Each side committed just 10 turnovers.
• Rhode Island did not help itself at the line. The Rams were 6-for-12 at the free throw line, while Providence was 9-of-14 at the stripe.
• E.C. Matthews finished with eight points, five rebounds and one assist.
• T.J. Buchanan played his typical steady game. He was 2-for-2 from the floor and had two rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal while playing tough defense on PC's leading scorer Bryce Cotton. Cotton was limited to 15 points, four points below his season scoring average.
• Freshman Hassan Martin had four points, five rebounds and four blocked shots in 26 minutes off the bench for the Rams.
• The Rams did not hit a 3-point basket until Xavier Munford hit one with 4:03 remaining in the game.
• All eight players who saw action for Rhode Island scored in the first half.
• The attendance of 7,657 was the largest home crowd of the season for Rhode Island. It was the first sellout for the Rams since Dec. 23, 2011, also against Providence.

Stat of the Day
8 – Rhode Island had eight blocked shots on the night. Hassan Martin had four and Gilvydas Biruta had two to lead the effort.

What's Next
Rhode Island heads to Detroit for a game Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.