The Fordham Rams broke out to an early lead over A-10 rival Rhode Island Rams, but failed to keep URI in check, losing 68-65 Wednesday night in Kingston.
The Fordham defense forced a trio of early Rhode Island turnovers en route to a 19-11 lead midway through the first half, but URI used a defensive mini run of its own to claw its way back and ultimately take a 35-31 lead into the lockerrooms.
The second half saw Rhode Island increase its lead to double figures before a late 12-4 run by Fordham knotted the score at 64 with just over two minutes remaining.
Neither team could muster much offense over the last 120 seconds, and URI sealed the victory with a basket by E. C. Matthews and costless throw each from Matthews and Biggie Minnis.
Matthews paced the Rhode Island Rams with 24 points and seven rebounds. The Fordham Rams were led by Eric Paschall’s 19 points.
Both teams were hot from the field with URI hitting 47% of its shots while Fordham made 46%. Rhode Island prevailed despite hitting only 1 of their 14 three-point attempts. URI made up for outside shooting woes by making 19 costless throws on their home floor.
Rhode Island notched its fifth straight victory and moved to 10-3 (2-0), while the Fordham squad dropped to 5-8 (0-2) on the season.
