Rhode Island Starters
Jeremy Sheppard, Ishmael Leggett, Makhi Mitchell, Makhel Mitchell, Ishmael El-Amin
 
Tulsa  Starters
Sam Griffin, Keyshawn Embery-Simpson, Tim Dalger, Rey Idowu, Jeriah Horne
 
How it Happened 
Rhode Island went cold down the stretch, scoring just 14 points over the final 12:27 as the Rams lost to Tulsa, 77-71, in the Sunshine Slam Saturday night.

The Rams (3-1) tied their largest lead of the night after a Makhi Mitchell layup put them ahead 57-50. However, Tulsa (3-1) went on a 12-4 run to pull in front, 62-61, with 7:43 remaining.

Meanwhile, after a Malik Martin layup with 8:40 to go, Rhode Island was just 2-of-8 from the floor and 5-for-9 at the line. With scoring tough to come by for the Rams, Tulsa was able to push its leads to as many as nine points as it dealt URI its first loss of the season. 

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island had a higher field goal percentage (52 percent to 49 percent), better 3-point percentage (40 percent to 37 percent), more made free throws (17 to 12), more points in the paint (34 to 18) and more second-chance points (10 to 7).
• However, Tulsa made and attempted more field goals. It was 29-of-59, compared to 24-of-46 for the Rams. URI turned the ball over 15 times, compared to just nine for Tulsa.
• Center Makhel Mitchell led the Rams with 20 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.
• He was 7-for-9 from the floor.
• Guard Jeremy Sheppard had 18 points, three steals and two blocks.
• Guard Malik Martin had five points and six rebounds off the bench, while forward Antwan Walker chipped in with eight points and four rebounds.
• Rhode Island blocked nine shots, getting three each from Makhi Mitchell and Makhel Mitchell.

Up Next
Rhode Island will face Boston College for the second time in four days when the teams meet in the consolation game of the Sunshine Slam Sunday evening. Tip time on FloSports.com is set for 5 p.m.