Kingston, RI (Sports Network) - Xavier Munford scored a game-high 18 points
and nailed the game-winning 3-pointer as the Rhode Island Rams defeated the
Dayton Flyers, 75-72, in an Atlantic 10 matchup at the Ryan Center.
Nikola Malesevic had 13 points, 10 rebounds and also handed out seven assists
for Rhode Island (7-16, 2-8 A-10) which snapped a six-game losing streak.
Mike Aaman added 11 points off the bench before fouling out and Mike Powell
had 10 points, five rebounds and five assists as well for the Rams.
Dyshawn Pierre had a double-double of his own (15 points, 10 rebounds), Kevin
Dillard added 15 points and five assists. Devon Oliver tallied 12 points and
Vee Sanford chipped in 11 points for Dayton (13-11, 3-7) which has lost four
of its last five.
Though they shot just 40 percent from the field as compared to 50 percent
shooting from Dayton, the Rams led 32-31 at the break thanks to a 15-6 edge
in points from 3-point range.
After taking a 44-37 lead on a 7-2 spurt early on in the second half, Rhode
Island would not trail again. However the Rams' lead was slashed to a single
point, 70-69, with 36 seconds left on a layup from Oliver. Powell then put in
a pair of free-throws to push the Rams ahead by three once again. A missed
jumper from Pierre on the other end gave the Rams a chance to seal the game
at the free-throw line but Munford missed the front end of a one-and-one
attempt. After Jalen Robinson secured the rebound Dillard was able to nail a
game-tying 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining for Dayton. However the tie
would be short-lived as Munford raised up for the game winner seven seconds
later to lift the Rams to the win.
Dayton lost despite a 38-30 edge in rebounds, Rhode Island nailed 10 triples
in the contest and outscored the Flyers, 30-18, from 3-point range.
GAME NOTES:
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