URI Falls to Loyola Chicago - Rams Down Three Key Players
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URI Falls to Loyola Chicago - Rams Down Three Key Players
Rhode Island (13-4, 2-3 Atlantic 10) lost guards Quentin Diboundje and Jamarques Lawrence to ankle injuries early in the first half. Diboundje was lost six minutes into the game. Moments later. Lawrence hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 16-16 with 12:24 in the half, but he tripped near the Rambler bench and was also lost for the rest of the half.
Loyola Chicago (11-6, 3-2 A-10) took advantage.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOver the next seven minutes, the Ramblers built a 10-point lead after a fastbreak dunk by Francis Nwaokorie made the score 34-24.
From there, Rhode Island outscored the hosts 15-4. Cam Estevez and Sebastian Thomas each scored five points, and David Fuchs scored four during the run. A Fuchs turnaround jumper in the paint at the buzzer sent the Rams into the break with a 39-38 lead.
In the second half, the teams traded mini-runs, but Rhode Island was never able to tie the score again. URI got the score down to a one-point game four times over the final 4:22, but Loyola Chicago had an answer every time and managed to hold on for the win.
For Thomas, it was another big scoring night; he led the Rams with 20 points.
NOTES
- The game featured 17 led changes and eight ties.
- Besides Thomas' 20 points he added six assists, and three rebounds
- His run of 20-point games is up to seven in a row.
- Center Javonte Brown had 16 points and five rebounds.
- Guard Estevez matched his season high with 15 points to go with three rebounds and two assists.
- Forward Fuchs returned after missing two games with a minor injury. He had eight points and 10 rebounds.
- Guard Jamarques Lawrence had nine points. He had five points and two assists in eight minutes before leaving for the rest of the first half with an injury. He returned in the second half to give the team some inspired minutes, which were 12 minutes, despite the injury.
- Forward Drissa Traore had five rebounds and three assists.
- Guard Diboundje made his first start of the season, but was lost for the game with a foot injury just six minutes in.
- Rhode Island was without forward David Green (shoulder) for the third straight game. Forward Tyonne Farrell (foot) missed his first game.
NEXT
Rhode Island returns to the Ryan Center to host Davidson on Saturday, Jan. 18. Game time is 2 p.m. on ESPN+.