URI Gets Second Win of Season Over Illinois State
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
The University of Rhode Island men's basketball team ended the Cayman Islands Classic with a win defeating Illinois State 57-44 Wednesday night.
Rhode Island's bench scored 39 points and the Rams (2-4) out-rebounded the Redbirds 47-28.
With the victory, Rhode Island finished seventh in the tournament in the eight-team tournament.
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About Game
From the outset, both teams struggled to score. Rhode Island started 3-of-17 from the floor and finished the half, shooting 25.9% overall (7-for-27). However, the Rams held Illinois State to 32% (8-for-25) in the first 20 minutes.
The Redbirds were scoreless over the 3:28 of the opening half. The defensive effort helped Rhody close the half on an 8-0 run and take a 24-22 lead into the break.
In the second half, Rhode Island's Brayon Freeman scored 15 points and Ishmael Leggett added eight as the Rams led throughout.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rhode Island's bench outscored Illinois State's bench 33-9. Sophomore Freeman had a career-high 21 points to lead the Rams.
- Redshirt sophomore Josaphat Bilau recorded his first career double-double, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. He also blocked two shots.
- Freshman Rory Stewart gave the team a major boost off the bench. He had eight points and seven rebounds.
- In the final six minutes of the first half, Stewart had four points and four rebounds, keying an 8-0 run to end the half.
- Of Rhode Island's 47 rebounds, 19 came on the offensive end. That led to a 28-8 edge in second-chance points.
- Leggett had yet another strong game, scoring 18 points to go with six rebounds and two assists. He drew 10 fouls on the day and was 11-of-13 from the free-throw line. He was named to the Cayman Islands Classic All-Tournament Team after averaging 21.7 points over the three games.
NEXT
Rhode Island plays at Boston College Sunday at noon. The game will air nationally on the ACC Network.
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