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University of Rhode Island

action-front-Cayman-3-112322
Alan Hubbard
44
Illinois St. ILS 2-5,0-0 MVC
57
Winner Rhode Island URI 2-4,0-0 Atlantic 10
Illinois St. ILS
2-5,0-0 MVC
44
Final
57
Rhode Island URI
2-4,0-0 Atlantic 10
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Illinois St. ILS 22 22 44
Rhode Island URI 24 33 57

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Rams Close Out Cayman Trip In Style, Beat Illinois State

Rhode Island Starters
Samb, Thomas, Leggett, Martin, Hutchinson
 
Illinois State Starters
Knight, Burford, McChesney, Sandage, Lewis
 
How It Happened
Rhode Island ended the Cayman Islands Classic on a high note, getting a big boost from its bench as it defeated Illinois State 57-44 Wednesday night.

Rhode Island's bench scored 39 points and the Rams (2-4) outrebounded the Redbirds 47-28 to control pace of play. With the victory, Rhode Island finished seventh in the tournament.

From the outset, both teams struggled shooting. Rhode Island started 3-of-17 from the floor and finished the half shooting 25.9 percent overall (7-for-27). However, the Rams held Illinois State to 32.0 percent (8-for-25) in the first 20 minutes. The Redsbirds were scoreless over the 3:28 of the opening half. The defensive effort helped Rhody close the half on an 8-0 run and take a 24-22 lead into the break.

The second half belonged to Rhode Island. Brayon Freeman scored 15 points and Ishmael Leggett added eight as the Rams led throughout. With just five turnovers after halftime, URI kept Illinois State (2-5) at an arm's length until the final buzzer, securing the team's second win of the year.

Inside the Box Score
  • Rhode Island's bench outscored Illinois State's bench, 33-9. Sophomore Brayon Freeman had a career--high 21 points to led the Rams.
  • Redshirt sophomore Josaphat Bilau recorded his first career double-double, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. He also blocked two shots.
  • Freshman Rory Stewart gave the team a major boost off the bench. He had eight points and seven rebounds.
  • In the final six minutes of the first half, Stewart had four points and four rebounds, keying an 8-0 run to end the half.
  • Of Rhode Island's 47 rebounds, 19 came on the offensive end. That led to a 28-8 edge in second chance points.
  • Sophomore Ishmael Leggett had yet another strong game, scoring 18 points to go with six rebounds and two assists.
  • Leggetts drew 10 fouls on the day and was 11-of-13 from the free throw line.
  • He was named to the Cayman Islands Classic All-Tournament Team after averaging 21.7 points over the three games.
What's Next
Rhode Island plays at Boston College Sunday at noon. The game will air nationally on the ACC Network.
 
 
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