Men's Basketball
URI Cruises Past Concordia (Que.) In Final Exhibition Contest
Nov. 5, 2007
KINGSTON, R.I. -- Jimmy Baron led six Rams in double-figures, as Rhode Island cruised past Concordia (Que.), 106-63, in the second of two preseason exhibition tuneups. Baron was 7-for-12 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from the perimeter.
It was the second straight 100-point scoring output for Rhody in exhibition action. URI downed Stonehill, 107-69, on Nov. 1.
"I thought we came out with more intensity to start the game tonight," head coach Jim Baron said. "We were looking to push the ball, create more turnovers, rebound, and keep the pressure up. We did a much better job of that tonight."
Paced by a hot shooting hand in the first half - 66.7% (20-30) - the Rams raced out to a 13-point lead through the first 4:00 of play. After a Parfait Bitee three-pointer with 15:54 left in the first frame, Rhody led 18-5. Kahiem Seawright's layup with 2:58 to play in the period made it a 23 point lead, at 47-24. Rhode Island would lead by that same margin at the break (53-50).
In the second half, the Rams offense continued to play in high gear. Two Will Daniels free throws with 14:19 left in regulation gave Rhode Island a 33-point advantage, at 66-33. Lamonte Ulmer thrilled the crowd on the night with several high-flying dunks. His big putback with just over 6:00 to play gave his squad a 40-point lead (95-55).
"Lamonte plays with so much energy and passion. It's important for us as a team that he uses his athleticism on the court." Baron said.
His teammate Will Daniels agreed. "I always tell Monty that he's the most energetic guy on the team. He provides a big spark and is a big part of this team. He has so much potential."
Bitee had another outstanding game for the Rams, registering a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists. He was 6-of-8 from the floor, connecting on all three of his attempts from the outside, while pulling down six rebounds. Daniels and Seawright each had 16 points, while Ulmer and Joe Mbang tallied 14 points apiece.
For the game, Rhode Island shot 62.7% from the floor (37-59) and 47.6% from the outside (10-21). They also knocked down 81.5% of their free throws (22-27).
"Chemistry on the court continues to be important, especially as we play the first regular season game this Friday against a very good Florida Atlantic team," Baron added. "It's going to be important to get Keith Cothran back into the flow, to get Marquis Jones back from injury. We're going to need everybody out there, all on the same page and all going at full speed."
URI opens up play in the 2007-08 regular season on Friday, Nov. 9 when they host Florida Atlantic at the Ryan Center at 7 p.m. The game - part of the Glenn Wilkes Classic tournament - is the second part of a Ryan Center doubleheader. Head coach Tom Garrick's women's basketball team takes on Sacred Heart, beginning at 5 p.m.
Fans can purchase tickets for this and every other game at the Ryan Center box office, or by clicking on the individual ticket page.
In addition, the game can be heard live on WHJJ 920 AM, with Steve McDonald and Abu Bakr providing the call. Fans can also hear the broadcast on the internet, via Yahoo! Sports, or follow the game live on GoRhody.com, via GameTracker.
