Rams Come Up Short Against Charlotte - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Rams Come Up Short Against Charlotte

URI Release

Despite a strong defensive effort, Rhode Island (5-10, 0-2 Atlantic 10) struggled from the floor in the second half and fell to Charlotte 58-50 Saturday.

After shooting 52.4 percent (11-for-21) on field goal attempts in the first half, Rhode Island managed just 26.9 percent (7-for-26) after the break. Charlotte (14-2, 2-0 A-10) was actually worse from the floor, shooting 37.3 percent for the game, but the 49ers outrebounded Rhody 45-25. The edge on the board led to 13 second chance points for Charlotte, compared to just two for the Rams.

Inside the Box Score
* The 52.4 percent from the floor was the highest Rhode Island has shot in a first half this season, and its third-best percentage overall. Rhody shot 57.7 percent (15-for-26) in the second half against SMU, and 54.5 percent (12-for-22) in second half of the Georgia State game.

* Conversely, the 26.9 percent in the second half was Rhode Island's second worst shooting performance in a half this season. The Rams made just 25.8 percent (8-for-31) of its field goals in the first half against Brown.

* Sophomore guard Mike Powell scored a team-best 16 points, marking the third time this season he has led the team. He also had five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 37 minutes.

* Senior guard Andre Malone had 13 points for Rhody, his 10^th time reaching double figures this year. He also had a team-high five rebounds.

* Junior guard Xavier Munford was limited to just six minutes of action in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. The team's leading scorer did not have a shot attempt in the first half, and finished with eight points on 3-for-12 shooting.

* Sophomore guard T.J. Buchanan had a season-best six points, all of which came in the first half. He showed an ability to get himself to the free throw line, where he had a career-high eight attempts, thought he made just four. Entering the game, Buchanan had shot 12 free throws this season.

* The loss snapped a four-game winning streak at the Ryan Center. Rhody's last loss at home was to George Mason on Nov. 28.

* Both teams struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, combining to go 0-for-16 on 3-point shots. Rhode Island was 0-for-11, while Charlotte was 0-for-5.

* Despite the loss, this was the seventh time this season Rhode Island has held its opponent to 60 points or less.