Rams drop a close one to George Mason
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Usually, when you spot a team a double-digit lead in the first half...you're in for a long night.
In URI's case Wednesday night at the Ryan Center against George Mason, that wasn't quite the case. But in the end, the Rams couldn't overcome a 13-point halftime deficit and lost to the Patriots 55-52.
The loss drops Rhody to 1-6 on the season.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTXavier Munford, who has paced the Rams' offense by averaging 18 points per game, scored seven of the first nine points of the game for the Rams as they got out of the gate early with a 9-5 lead five minutes into the first half. George Mason's Sherrod Wright and Vaughn Gray took over soon after, Wright going inside and Gray hitting jumpers from the outside...keying a 30-10 run to the end of the half before Munford hit a three to pull URI within 35-22 at halftime.
Battling back in the second half with a 16-2 run to take a one-point lead, the Rams held GMU scoreless for the first 6:10 of the period. The Patriots eventually edged back ahead at 54-49, then Rhody got a three-pointer from Mike Powell to pull back within two. George Mason (5-2) turned the ball over on its next possession as Munford drew a charge to create a turnover, but with a chance to tie, Rhody was unable to get a score.
A free throw by the Patriots' Wright made it 55-52 with 21 seconds to go. Nikola Malesevic got a good look at the basket for a final attempt to tie, but his shot was just off the mark, bouncing off the back of the rim.
Munford led the Rams with 24 points, while Powell added 12. URI shot just 50% from the free throw line for the game (2-10 in the first half), but committed only six turnovers. Ryan Brooks added a career high 10 rebounds and freshman Jordan Hare blocked six shots. URI will next face Vermont Saturday in a 2:00 pm tip off at the Ryan Center.
