Rams Lose But Stay Competitive With Virginia Tech

KINGSTON – While the University of Rhode Island Rams lost another game Wednesday night, the team’s effort against Virginia Tech might have at least gotten their fan base off the proverbial ledge.

The Rams dropped to 1-8 with the 78-67 loss to the Hokies (6-3), but stayed with the ACC team for much of the night. Virginia Tech’s Erick Green, coming off the bench, led all scorers with 24 points.

Following the game, Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said he benched Green, a usual starter, because he wasn’t happy with his effort at practice. The message seemed to have gotten through, as Green shot 10-for-14 from the floor and finished with three steals.

The game’s turning point came at a two-play stretch near the six-minute mark in the second half. As Jamal Wilson drove the lane for what seemed to be an easy layup, Jarell Eddie pinned the ball to the backboard.

Then, hustling back in transition, Eddie was left wide open for a 3-point shot, which he swished. It gave Virginia Tech a 10-point lead, and URI didn’t get within eight the rest of the game.

While the Rams lost another game, the effort level was much better Wednesday night than previous losses to Maine and Brown. Without backup point guard T.J. Buchanan available because of a leg injury, freshman Mike Powell played his best game of the season.

Powell played 35 minutes and didn’t turn the ball over. He dished out five assists, grabbed five boards and finished with nine points, going 7-for-8 from the free throw line.

Forward Nikola Malesevic led the Rams with 23 points. Eschewing the 3-point line, he instead put the ball on the floor and drove, getting to the line for eight free throws.

However, freshman Jonathan Holton struggled holding on to the ball, committing five turnovers. The Rams also played soft inside, allowing Virginia Tech to shoot 65.4 percent from the floor in the second half. And although they tempered their shooting from outside, taking just 11 shots from 3-point range, the Rams only hit two treys.

URI will attempt to end its five-game losing streak at Georgia State on Saturday. Tip-off is at 2 p.m., and the game is being broadcast by WHJJ 920 AM.