URI Drops A-10 Opener at Duquesne, 72-61

URI Drops A-10 Opener at Duquesne, 72-61

It was not the Atlantic 10 opener that new University of Rhode Island coach Archie Miller was hoping for.

The Rams were beaten by Duquesne down the stretch, losing 72-61 in Pittsburgh,

There were 13 lead changes and ten ties, but the Dukes (11-4, 1-1 A-10) took control in the second half.

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Duquesne led by as many as 13 points midway through the second half after a Joe Reece 3-point shot. Rhode Island (4-9, 0-1 A-10) fought back within five points at 65-60 following a Malik Martin free throw with 5:14 to go.

The Rams missed their final five field goal attempts and were unable to get any closer.

 

Highlights:

- Rhode Island committed a season-low nine turnovers, including just three in the first half.
- After starting the game 5-of-7 from 3-point distance, the Rams were just 1-of-13 the rest of the way.
- Redshirt junior Jalen Carey had a season-high 15 points to go with seven rebounds.
- Sophomores Ishmael Leggett and Brayon Freeman each had 10 points.
- Freeman has scored in double figures in 10 straight games.
- Redshirt freshman Abdou Samb had six points, three rebounds and one blocked shot.
- Redshirt senior Malik Martin led the Rams with 11 rebounds and added seven points.
- Redshirt sophomore Alex Tchikou matched his career high with eight rebounds.
- Duquesne's bench scored 31 points, compared to 13 for URI.
- The Dukes had a 16-6 edge in second-chance points.

Next:

Rhode Island returns home to host Fordham on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Game time is 7 p.m. on ESPN+.