Rhode Island Starters
Thomas, Lawrence, Farrell, Brown, Traore

Richmond Starters 
Tyne, Roche, Roumoglou, Neskovic, Walz

How it Happened
Rhode Island gutted out its first road win of the season, overcoming a rough first half to win in ovetime at Richmond 67-64 Saturday night.

Rhode Island (13-3, 2-2 Atlantic 10) trailed by as many as 14 points during a dismal first half in which URI shot 29.6 percent from the field, including 1-for-13 from long range. The team's lone 3-pointer was a shot from Cam Estevez in the final minute that bounced off the rim twice and backboard once before falling in. Despite the struggles, the Rams finished the half with a 9-2 run to get within 25-18 at the break.

The second half was a different story. Rhody opened the period with an 11-3 run to take a 28-27 lead four minutes into the half. The teams traded leads early, but Richmond (7-10, 2-2 A-10) eventually got back up by seven 48-41 with just under seven minutes to go.
 
The Rams continued to fight, and Quentin Diboundje scored six straight points as part of a 7-0 URI run to knot the score at 48-48. Over the final 2:28 of regulation, each team had multiple leads in a thrilling finish. Jamarques Lawrence hit a 3-pointer with 1:21 to go to give Rhody a 53-52 lead, but Dusan Neskovic was fouled shooting a 3-pointer of his own and made all three free throws for a 55-53 Spider lead. Jaden House – playing in his hometown – hit a drive with 35 seconds to go to tie the game. On Richmond's final possession, Javonte Brown blocked a drive to send the game into overtime.

Overtime featured five lead changes and three ties as the teams traded blow for blow. Sebastian Thomas scored nine points in the extra period and Lawrence hit another 3-pointer to key the Rams. Lawrence's 3-pointer put URI ahead 63-62 with 1:25 to go, but Neskovic (28 points) hit a pair of free throws to put his team back in front 64-63 with 36 seconds left. Thomas responded with a turnaround jumper in the paint for a 65-64 lead, then he grabbed the rebound after a defensive stop. He was fouled with six seconds to go and iced the game by making both free throws.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island defeated Richmond for the first time since the 2018-19 season, snapping a six-game losing streak against Richmond.
• Point guard Sebastian Thomas matched his season best with 23 points to go with seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks and two assists.
• He has scored 20 or more in six straight games.
• Guard Jaden House had 18 points and four rebounds in front of numerous friends and family from his hometown.
• Center Javonte Brown had six points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
• Guard Quentin Diboundje had nine points and nine rebounds in addition to a strong defensive game.
• Rhody was without forwards David Green and David Fuchs for the second game in a row.

Up Next
Rhode Island stays on the road to visit Loyola Chicago Wednesday, Jan. 15. The nationally-televised game will air on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m.