How It Happened
Rhode Island (11-10, 2-4 A-10) used its best shooting performance of the season to defeat Dayton 88-76 Saturday.

Led by the hot hand of senior Xavier Munford, the Rams shot 62.5 percent as a team, the fourth-best single-game percentage in program history. It marked the best field goal percentage for Rhode Island in five seasons, dating back to a Dec. 3, 2008 contest against Northeastern, when the team shot 63.5 percent from the floor. Munford led four Rams in double figures with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor.

Dayton (13-7, 1-4 A-10) also shot well, making 50.9 percent of its shots. However, the Flyers were just 3-of-14 from 3-point range. Dyshawn Pierre led Dayton with 17 points,

Inside the Box Score

• Senior Xavier Munford scored a game-high 27 points, including 18 in the first half. It was the most points by a Ram in a single half this season. It was the 18th time Munford had topped 20 points as a Ram, and his eighth time with more than 25 in a game.
• Munford finished 10-of-15 from the floor. The 10 field goals were the most by any Ram this season.
• The game marked the fourth straight time Munford and junior Gilvydas Biruta have scored in double figures. Biruta finished with 15 points six rebounds.
• Freshman E.C. Matthews recorded his first career double-double, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He also matched his career high with four steals.
• Junior T.J. Buchanan had 11 points and a career-high six assists.
• The 88 points marked the second time this year Rhody has eclipsed 80 points. The Rams opened the season with a 97-77 win over Maine.
• Rhode Island made 30 field goals in a game for the second time this season. The Rams also made 30 against Maine in the season opener
• As well as the Rams shot the ball from everywhere else, the Rams struggled at the free throw line. As a team, Rhode Island was 23-of-40 (57.5 percent) from the line.  
• Freshman Hassan Martin finished with nine points and eight rebounds. He was a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor, and 1-of-1 at the line.
• Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger watched the game courtside. His seat was next to URI Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn.

Stat of the Day
64.3 – Rhode Island shot 64.3 percent (18-for-28) from the floor in the opening half. It was the best shooting performance by the Rams in a half this season.

What's Next
Rhode Island gets a bit of a break as it is off until Saturday, Feb. 1 when the Rams travel to Fordham. Game time is 7 p.m.

The game can be heard live on University of Rhode Island Radio Network, powered by Belltone Hearing Aid Centers. Tune into B101 to hear Steve McDonald and Don Kaull provide the call.