Dowtin Suspended 1 Game by NCAA, URI Beats Saint Joseph's 71-61
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Dowtin Suspended 1 Game by NCAA, URI Beats Saint Joseph's 71-61
The Rams got the win despite senior guard Jeff Dowtin being suspended for the game by the NCAA.
According to a statement from the school, Dowtin was suspended for taking part in a charity basketball game over the summer that was not sanctioned by the NCAA.
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The suspension was announced approximately an hour before the game started. URI issued a press release just before tip-off.
The win improves URI to 11-5 overall and 3-1 in the A-10.
Saint Joseph’s falls to 3-14 overall and 0-5 in the A-10.
URI Rallies in 2nd Half
After trailing by six at the half, URI found themselves down by as much as ten, 47-37 with 17 minutes left to go in the game after a layup by Saint Joseph’s Anthony Longpre.
However, from there, URI would rally.
The Rams would go on a 22-6 run capped off by a Fatts Russell jumper to take a 59-53 lead with 6:02 left in the game.
During the run, the Rams held the Hawks scoreless for nearly six minutes.
The Hawks would get back within three, 59-56, on a jumper by Ryan Daly, before Russell would knock down back-to-back jumpers to push URI’s lead to 63-56 with just over four minutes to play in the game.
URI would extend their run when Russell knocked down a three with 1:17 to play, giving the Rams a 71-56 lead.
Rhode Island would go on to win the game 71-61.
Cyril Langevine added a double-double in the game with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
URI Trails at Half
The Rams led by as much as 26-19 after a Langevine free throw with 5:40 left in the half, URI saw Saint Joseph’s go on an 11-2 run to take a 30-28 lead on a jumper by Rahmir Moore with 3:06 left.
After Rhode Island cut the lead to one on a free throw by Antwan Walker, the Hawks would score five straight points capped off by a Ryan Daly three with three seconds left to play in the frame to take a 35-29 lead.
Saint Joseph’s would take that lead into the locker room.
Next Up
URI returns to action on Saturday, January 18 when they host La Salle at the Ryan Center.
Game time is set for 12:30 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports Network.