Rams survive in tournament opener

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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

GoLocalProv Sports Team

The Rams have officially entered the “win, or go home” portion of their schedule. So far, they’re still alive.

Delroy James led four players in double figures Tuesday as Rhode Island defeated Saint Louis, 70-61, in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Tournament at the Ryan Center. The Rams (19-12) will play Richmond in the quarterfinals Friday at 9 p.m. at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Sixth-seeded Rhode Island led by only two points at the break, but hit 11 of its 22 field-goal attempts in the second half to hold off the Billikens, who ended the season 12-19.

James finished with 17 points and five blocks. Nikola Malesevic led the second-half surge with 11 points – all in the second half.

Richmond is a familiar opponent for the Rams; Rhode Island beat the third-seeded Spiders on the road earlier this season, but Richmond enters Friday’s rematch riding a four-game win streak. The Spiders won eight of the their final nine regular-season games to earn the first-round bye in the A-10 Tournament.