Rhode Island Starters
Samb, Freeman, Carey, Leggett, Martin
 
Duquesne Starters
Brewer, Grant, Williams, Reece, Gunn

How It Happened
Despite an improved effort and better fundamental basketball, Rhode Island could not keep pace with Duquesne down the stretch, falling 72-61 in its Atlantic 10 opener Saturday afternoon.

In a game that saw 13 lead changes and 10 ties, it was the host Dukes (11-4, 1-1 A-10) taking control late. Duquesne led by as many as 13 points midway through the second half after a Joe Reece 3-point shot. Rhode Island (4-9, 0-1 A-10) clawed back within five points at 65-60 following a Malik Martin free throw with 5:14 to go.

However, the Rams missed their final five field goal attempts and were unable to get any closer.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island committed a season-low nine turnovers, including just three in the first half.
• After starting the game 5-of-7 from 3-point distance, the Rams were just 1-of-13 the rest of the way.
• Redshirt junior Jalen Carey had a season-high 15 points to go with seven rebounds.
• Sophomores Ishmael Leggett and Brayon Freeman each had 10 points.
• Freeman has scored in double figures in 10 straight games.
• Redshirt freshman Abdou Samb had six points, three rebounds and one blocked shot.
• Redshirt senior Malik Martin led the Rams with 11 rebounds and added seven points.
• Redshirt sophomore Alex Tchikou matched his career high with eight rebounds.
• Duquesne's bench scored 31 points, compared to 13 for URI.
• The Dukes had a 16-6 edge in second-chance points.

What's Next
Rhode Island returns home to host Fordham on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Game time is 7 p.m. on ESPN+.