URI Men's Basketball Loses to VCU 55-54, First Game After Freeman's Dismissal

URI Men's Basketball Loses to VCU 55-54, First Game After Freeman's Dismissal

The URI Men's Basketball team lost to VCU on Wednesday night 55-54. 

Rhode Island (8-17, 4-9 Atlantic 10) led throughout the night, but VCU rallied late. The visiting VCU Rams (19-7, 10-3 A-10) trailed by 13 points with 11:44 to go, but VCU closed the game on a 24-10 run. 

The Rams were playing its first game since Brayon Freeman — the team's second-leading scorer — was dismissed from the team earlier this week.

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The dismissal was sparked by a confrontation between Freeman and Coach Archie Miller and an incident involving members of Freeman’s family.

Freeman transferred to URI after a year at George Washington University.

 

Rams Leading, Slips Away

With URI leading 44-31, VCU made seven consecutive field goals and 8-of-9 overall as it took a one-point lead (48-47) with 3:37 to go.

A Jalen Carey jumper put Rhody back in front by one, and the final three minutes featured five lead changes as the teams traded points. Rhode Island's Ishmael Leggett was hit a pair of free throws with four seconds remaining to give URI a 54-53 lead, but VCU went the length of the court and Jackson drained his jumper as the horn sounded to give the guests the win. 

 

Inside the Box Score

- Rhode Island had 11 of its 17 turnovers in the second half. VCU had 17 points off the 17 UR turnovers.
- Sophomore Ishmael Leggett led Rhode Island with 21 points. He was 10-for-11 at the line.
- Sophomore guard Sebastian Thomas had nine points, shooting 2-for-4 from the perimeter. He had three rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes. 
- Carey added 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists JalenRedshirt junior
- Martin contributed five points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
- Forward Brandon Johns, Jr. led VCU with 17 points and five rebounds. 
- VCU had a 36-18 edge in points in the paint. 
- Rhody'sThe VCU bench outscored Rhody's, 23-2.
- Both teams had 31 total rebounds, 22 defensive rebounds and nine offensive boards.

What's Next

Rhode Island hosts Massachusetts Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2:05 p.m. on ESPNU. The game will feature a Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime to recognize Carlton "Silk" Owens, Tom Garrick and Kenny Green.