Spring Break
Men's basketball stamps out Duquesne in tight thriller
Chris Smith
Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: Sports
03/04/09 - The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team earned its sixth consecutive victory defeating Duquesne University Sunday afternoon, 73-71.
The Rams shot 66.7 percent in the second half to overcome a six point half-time deficit. The win marks Rhody's 10th win in their last 11 games, improving their record to 22-8 and 11-4 in the conference on the year.
"It's been incredible winning 10 out of the last 11 games," coach Jim Baron said. "The guys have really been coming together, especially the upperclassman."
Senior forward Kahiem Seawright led the Rams in scoring with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He also tallied six rebounds, two blocks and two assists.
Keith Cothran scored 20 points, 13 of those coming in the first half, on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor.
"We've been a little more focused on what we need to do," Baron said. "We are understanding our roles and what we need to do to get better."
Jimmy Baron hit 5-of-10 from the floor and 4-of-8 were from beyond the arc, adding 14 points. Baron's four three-pointers gave him 341 for his career, and put him just two three-pointers away from breaking the Atlantic 10 record of 342 held by Darnell Harris from LaSalle University.
The Rams opened the game on a 10-4 run as Baron knocked down two three pointers on the first two Rhody possessions. The Dukes would respond and take their first lead of the game at 14-12 with 14:13 to go in the half.
Both teams went back-and-forth and traded buckets for most of the half. Rhody took a five-point lead off a Cothran dunk to put them up 32-27 with 4:04 remaining. But, the Dukes closed the half on a 13-2 run and took a 40-34 lead into half time. Rhody cut the lead to 45-43 early in the second, but Duquesne extended their lead to six once again, leading 53-47 with 15:22 remaining.
The Rams took a six-point lead as they went on a 13-1 run making the score 60-54 with 11:33 to go in the game. Duquesne came back to tie it late in the game at 66 with 2:01 remaining. Delroy James and Seawright put Rhody back up by four, as they were able to hold on and secure the 73-71 victory.
The win moves URI into second place in the A-10 just one game behind Xavier University.
"We should definitely be more in the discussion," Baron said about his team and the lack of attention for the NCAA tournament. "[The Atlantic 10] has done their part improving their schedule. The A-10 is a terrific conference with great players, coaches, and teams."
Rhody will close out the regular season Saturday as they host the University of Massachusetts Amherst for its senior day. This will be the last game at the Ryan Center for seniors Seawright, Baron, and Jason Francis. Tip-off time is set for 2 p.m.
The Rams shot 66.7 percent in the second half to overcome a six point half-time deficit. The win marks Rhody's 10th win in their last 11 games, improving their record to 22-8 and 11-4 in the conference on the year.
"It's been incredible winning 10 out of the last 11 games," coach Jim Baron said. "The guys have really been coming together, especially the upperclassman."
Senior forward Kahiem Seawright led the Rams in scoring with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He also tallied six rebounds, two blocks and two assists.
Keith Cothran scored 20 points, 13 of those coming in the first half, on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor.
"We've been a little more focused on what we need to do," Baron said. "We are understanding our roles and what we need to do to get better."
Jimmy Baron hit 5-of-10 from the floor and 4-of-8 were from beyond the arc, adding 14 points. Baron's four three-pointers gave him 341 for his career, and put him just two three-pointers away from breaking the Atlantic 10 record of 342 held by Darnell Harris from LaSalle University.
The Rams opened the game on a 10-4 run as Baron knocked down two three pointers on the first two Rhody possessions. The Dukes would respond and take their first lead of the game at 14-12 with 14:13 to go in the half.
Both teams went back-and-forth and traded buckets for most of the half. Rhody took a five-point lead off a Cothran dunk to put them up 32-27 with 4:04 remaining. But, the Dukes closed the half on a 13-2 run and took a 40-34 lead into half time. Rhody cut the lead to 45-43 early in the second, but Duquesne extended their lead to six once again, leading 53-47 with 15:22 remaining.
The Rams took a six-point lead as they went on a 13-1 run making the score 60-54 with 11:33 to go in the game. Duquesne came back to tie it late in the game at 66 with 2:01 remaining. Delroy James and Seawright put Rhody back up by four, as they were able to hold on and secure the 73-71 victory.
The win moves URI into second place in the A-10 just one game behind Xavier University.
"We should definitely be more in the discussion," Baron said about his team and the lack of attention for the NCAA tournament. "[The Atlantic 10] has done their part improving their schedule. The A-10 is a terrific conference with great players, coaches, and teams."
Rhody will close out the regular season Saturday as they host the University of Massachusetts Amherst for its senior day. This will be the last game at the Ryan Center for seniors Seawright, Baron, and Jason Francis. Tip-off time is set for 2 p.m.
