What It Means:
Rhody dropped its third straight game overall and fell to 0-4 in true road games in a 70-68 decision at Detroit.

Biggie Minnis drove the length of the floor, took some bumps, but got off a clean look at the rim that just feel short.  Rhody led 32-27 at the break, but Detroit tied the game at 35-35 with 16:41 left and never relinquished the lead.  

The Rams trailed by as many as eight points with 4:56 left in regulation and had a chance to tie it with eight seconds left, as Gilvydas Biruta was fouled on a dunk attempt.  He made one of two from the line, cutting it to 69-68.  Detroit would make 1-of-2 on its next trip to the line, setting up Minnis' fullcourt drive.  

Inside the Box Score and Beyond:
* Xavier Munford led the Rams with a game-high 22 points.  The senior guard shot 9-of-18 from the floor, including 3-of-9 from the perimeter.  He scored 12 of his 22 in the second half.

* Gilvydas Biruta tallied his first double-double of the season, with 14 points and 10 boards.  He also added a block in a season-high 34 minutes of action.

* E.C. Matthews scored nine of his 12 points in the second half - including a pivotal 3-pointer with 1:49 left.  Matthews, in a return to his hometown region, added three rebounds and two assists.

* Rhode Island struggled from the free throw line, connecting on just 8-of-19 - including 4-of-11 in the second half,  Conversely, Detroit made 13-of-15 in the final 20 minutes of play.

* Hassan Martin had his second straight solid effort off the bench, with six points, eight boards, and three blocks.

* Biggie Minnis chipped in with eight points, a team-high four assists, and two steals.

* Rhode Island outrebounded Detroit, 38-36, but lost the battle of the boards in the second half (18-14).

* Detroit outscored URI 46-34 in the paint, 16-7 on 2nd chance points, and 22-6 on the fast break.

Quotable:
Head coach Dan Hurley:  "We compromised our defensive effort by turning the ball over.  That led to the fast break points and the points off turnovers tonight.  Our lack of ball control has been a problem."

"Our halfcourt defensive effort - minus a few possessions in the second half - was pretty good."

"The last three losses have been excruciating.  Minus Xavier (Munford) and T.J., we're doing this with new guys that weren't part of the close losses last year.  It comes down to turnovers, some really bad fouls, and the free throw shooting.  Can't shoot 8-19 from the line on the road and expect to win."

Senior guard Xavier Munford: "It's a tough one.  I need to keep building up my teammates.  We need to finally put together a 40 minute effort."

Freshman guard E.C. Matthews: "I wasn't any more nervous for this game than any other.  I approach them all the same - try to go out there and compete and help my team win.  We needed this one today, but I believe it will help us in the long run."

Stat of the Day:
5:  Gilvydas Biruta registered his fifth collegiate double-double - and the first of his Rhody career.

What's Next:
Rhode Island will take a two-week break during final exams before hosting New Hampshire on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Alex and Ani Court at the Thomas M. Ryan Center.

Tipoff between the Rams and the Wildcats is set for 2 p.m. and the game can be seen live on OSN (Cox ch. 5 / 1005 HD).

This - and every Rhody men's basketball game - can be heard live on the University of Rhode Island Radio Network, powered by Beltone Hearing Aid Centers.  Tune into NewsRadio 920 (920 AM) to hear Steve McDonald and Don Kaull provide the call.  Pre-game show begins at 1:30 p.m.