Rhode Island holds off VCU 71-65 in defensive battle
KINGSTON, R.I. -- Fatts Russell scored 19 points, Jermaine Harris made a key shot in the closing seconds and Rhode Island beat VCU 71-65 on Wednesday night for its fifth straight victory in the series.
Russell made URI's first 3-pointer of the game, in nine attempts, with four minutes left to avoid its first shutout from distance since Nov. 27, 2011.
Harris sank a turnaround jumper from the free-throw line with 33.5 seconds left for a 67-63 lead and Christion Thompson drew a charge at the other end. Tyrese Martin made two free throws for a six-point lead and Jeff Dowtin made a steal at 16.5 to seal it.
Dowtin finished with 14 points for Rhode Island (11-7, 4-2 Atlantic 10).
Marcus Santos-Silva had 17 points and seven rebounds and De'Riante Jenkins scored 16 for VCU (13-6, 4-2).
URI and VCU combined to make just 3 of 21 from 3-point range but went 39 for 51 at the free-throw line (76 percent).
Game Information
- Referees:
- Pat Driscoll
- Brent Hampton
- Clarence Armstrong
2023-24 Atlantic 10 Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 15-3 | - | 23-10 |
| Loyola Chicago | 15-3 | - | 23-10 |
| Massachusetts | 11-7 | 4 | 20-11 |
| VCU | 11-7 | 4 | 24-14 |
| Duquesne | 10-8 | 5 | 25-12 |
| George Mason | 9-9 | 6 | 20-12 |
| St. Bonaventure | 9-9 | 6 | 20-13 |
| Saint Joseph's | 9-9 | 6 | 21-14 |
| La Salle | 6-12 | 9 | 16-17 |
| Fordham | 6-12 | 9 | 13-20 |
| Rhode Island | 6-12 | 9 | 12-20 |
| Davidson | 5-13 | 10 | 15-17 |
| Saint Louis | 5-13 | 10 | 13-20 |
| George Washington | 4-14 | 11 | 15-17 |
Men's College Basketball News
