NEW: URI Uses Strong Defensive Performance to Edge La Salle 66-63

NEW: URI Uses Strong Defensive Performance to Edge La Salle 66-63

The URI Rams men’s basketball team edged the La Salle Explorers 66-63 on Saturday afternoon at the Ryan Center.

The Rams did it on the defensive end, forcing the Explorers into 22 turnovers and recording 15 steals in the game.

URI scored 28 points off turnovers in the game.

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The win sets up a huge game against Duquesne on Wednesday night at the Ryan Center.

As of Friday’s Bracketology by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Duquesne is one of two teams from the A-10 projected to get into the NCAA Tournament.

URI is now 12-5 on the season and 4-1 in the A-10.

La Salle drops to 10-7 overall and 1-4 in the conference. 

URI Holds On

The URI Rams led by as much as 14 points in the second half, 52-38, with 10:13 to play in the game after an Antwan Walker.

To that point, La Salle had scored just five points in the half.

However, the Explorers would go on a 14-2 run to take a 55-54 lead on a Scott Spencer three with 4:44 to play.

During that stretch, URI struggled with La Salle’s defense and pressure.

The Explorers switched between man-to-man and a zone defense on seemingly every other possession causing Rhode Island problems.

The Rams would retake the lead, 58-57, on two free throws from Jermaine Harris with 3:48 to play.

Rhode Island would extend their lead to 62-57 on a short jumper from Tyrese Martin and free throws by Russell with 2:12 to play.

La Salle would get back within three, 62-59, before free throws from Jeff Dowtin made the score 64-59 with 11 seconds left.

The Explorers would get within one, 64-63, when Ed Croswell got an offensive rebound off an Isiah Deas missed free throw and put it back up.

The Explorers would then foul Russell with one second left. He would knock down both free throws to seal URI’s win 66-63.

URI was led in the game by Russell, who scored 13 points, while Dowtin added ten points.

URI Grabs Lead at Half 

URI trailed La Salle 27-25 after a layup by Deas with 5:45 to play in the first half.

On Rhode Island’s next possession, Russell knocked down a three to give the Rams the lead back at 28-27.

Two free throws from Dowtin and a Cyril Langevine layup pushed URI’s lead to 32-27 with 4:27 to play in the opening frame.

La Salle would get back within two, 32-30, on a three from Deas, before a Russell layup would give the Rams a 34-30 lead with 1:49 to play.

Walker would knock down a three to push URI’s lead to 37-30 with 58 seconds left in the half.

Rhode Island would go into the locker room leading 39-33.

Next UP

URI will be back at home to take on Duquesne on Wednesday, January 22.

Game time is set for 7 p.m.