URI Runs Past Miami (OH) In CBI Opener

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

It’s never too late to make history. Delroy James recorded a triple-double and URI hit twelve three-pointers as the Rams cruised past Miami (OH) in the opening round of the College Basketball Invitational 76-59.

It was the first triple-double in school history in one of the senior’s final games. James had 22 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists as the Rams jumped out to a 12 point lead at the half.

The RedHawks fought back early in the second half, but never got it closer than six before URI finished them off with a 23-8 run to pull away.

Miami finished second in the Mid American Conference’s Eastern Division before bowing out in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament to the eventual champion, Akron. But the RedHawks were outmatched by a quicker and stronger team from a superior league.

It was one of the most complete efforts of the year for the Rams, who won their 20th game for a school-record fourth consecutive year. The team shot over 50 percent from the floor, made 10-of-11 free throws, won the battle on the boards 36-27 and had 20 assists.

URI now travel to Orlando for a quarterfinal matchup Monday against Central Florida. The Knights ran off 14 wins in a row to begin the season before dropping eight straight and never recovering. The team finished near the bottom of Conference USA, but blew out the A-10’s St. Bonaventure in the first round of the CBI.