Nov. 22, 2008

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Keith Cothran Post-Game Press Conference 

KINGSTON, R.I. - Junior guard Keith Cothran scored a game-high 23 points to propel the Rhode Island men's basketball team (3-1) to a 92-86 victory over VCU (2-1) Saturday at the Ryan Center.

Cothran was one of five URI players to reach double-figures in scoring. The URI guard, who set a then career-high 18 points against Monmouth on Thursday, surpassed his previous career-high mark against VCU.

"We just want to focus more on defense," Cothran said. "I am happy with the win, but we just need to continue improving after each game."

Seniors Jimmy Baron and Kahiem Seawright, junior Delroy James and sophomore Marquis Jones also scored in double-figures, registering 17, 17, 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Baron finished 4-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-4 from the beyond the arc. The URI senior was also 7-of-10 from the line.

"It has been a long week for us," said head coach Jim Baron. "We wanted to get the ball inside and we made a conscious enough to do that this evening. Marquis (Jones) played a terrific game and we got some great minutes off the bench from (Will) Martell."

URI fell behind 4-0 in the early going, but responded with 12-2 run to take a 12-6 advantage with 15:36 to go in the opening half. From that point on, no team would lead by more than six points for the remainder of the half. The first half featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes.

Both teams were tied at 43 apiece heading at the half. Cothran led the way with 14 first half points going 7-of-11 from the field. The URI junior also led the way with five rebounds.

In the second half, URI went on a 15-5 run to take a 58-50 lead with just under 12 and a half to go in the game. The Rams would then extend their lead to 10 points at 61-51, but VCU fought back with an 18-5 run over the next 4:05 to take a 69-66 lead with 7:32 remaining.

Down the stretch, URI took an 83-82 lead with 2:20 to go in the game. Rhody outscored VCU 9-4 for the remainder of the game to secure the win.

The Rams return to action on Tuesday as it takes on Hartford as part of the Philly Classic. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Ryan Center.

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