Rhode Island Starters
Russell, Sheppard, Betrand, Walker, Makhel Mitchell
 
La Salle Starters
Spencer, Ray, Kenney, Brickus, Moore
 
How it Happened
A career offensive night from Jeremy Sheppard and Rhode Island's signature stifling defensive effort led the Rams to a 73-60 win at La Salle Wednesday night.

A back-and-forth first half saw the lead change 12 times. Rhode Island (9-8, 6-4 Atlantic 10) shot 54 percent (14-of-24) in the first 20 minutes, but La Salle scored 16 points off turnovers to keep itself in the game despite hitting just 38 percent of its shots (12-of-32). Rhode Island took control late, scoring the final seven points of the half to take a 37-31 advantage into the break. Sheppard scored 14 points and hit four 3-pointers in the half for URI.

The Rams managed to get a double-digit lead when Malik Martin made a layup with 10:40 to go. La Salle (7-9, 4-5 A-10) trimmed the lead to three points at 56-53, but Rhode Island came right back with a 8-0 run to extend its back to 11 points, 64-53. During the run, URI made six straight free throws, as Antwan Walker, Sheppard and Fatts Russell each went 2-for-2 at the stripe as Rhody took control.

The lead remained in double figures the rest of the way as Rhode Island cruised to its second straight victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Senior Jeremy Sheppard scored a career-high 25 points, 14 of which came in the first half. He made his first four 3-point attempts and wound up 5-of-6 beyond the arc.
• The five 3-pointers were a single-game high for any Ram this season.
• Senior Fatts Russell returned to the lineup and had 14 points and six assists. All six of the assists came in the first half, and Russell scored 11 after halftime.
• Sophomore Makhel Mitchell was the third Ram in double figures, scoring 11 points to go with four rebounds and two blocked shots.
• Redshirt junior D.J. Johnson had five points and four rebounds off the bench. He had a plus-minus of +9 in 18 minutes.
• Rhode Island was 19-of-25 at the free throw line, compared to 8-of-10 for La Salle.
• Rhode Island again had the edge on the board, outrebounding La Salle, 32-27.
• La Salle scored 30 of its points off turnovers.

Up Next
It's a quick turnaround for Rhode Island, as the Rams play at Dayton on Saturday, Jan 30. Game time is 4 p.m. on CBSSN.