E.C. Matthews had 24 points, and the URI Rams moved to 2-0 in Atlantic 10 play on Wednesday night, beating La Salle 74-62 at the Ryan Center.
Rhode Island caught an early break when B.J. Johnson, La Salle’s leading scorer at over 21 points per game, was not able to play due to an ankle injury. Still, it was back-and-forth for most of the first half. Tied at 22, a Matthews 3-point field goal began a 9-2 URI run to close the half, capped by a Jeff Dowtin layup.
Jeff Dowtin lays one in just before the buzzer, sending Rhody into the break with a 33-26 lead over La Salle.
— Rhody MBB (@RhodyMBB) January 4, 2018
Matthews’ backcourt mate Jared Terrell scored the first seven points of the second half for Rhode Island, but La Salle stayed within striking distance, ultimately cutting the lead to three with just over 12 minutes to play.
That’s as close as the Explorers would get, as Rhody received an incredible sequence from Matthews. He hit a jumper, and after a La Salle turnover, hit another three-pointer, this time while being fouled.
That’s a 4⃣-point play for E.C. Matthews! Rams lead La Salle 54-45 with 11:29 remaining. pic.twitter.com/PpwXFAfjvg
— Rhody MBB (@RhodyMBB) January 4, 2018
He hit the free throw, making it six straight points, and another Dowtin layup gave the Rams a 56-45 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Next up, Dan Hurley’s team plays at George Washington on Saturday.
