Playing in front of an electric sellout crowd, Rhode Island knocked off No. 21 Nebraska 66-62 in overtime Saturday night. With a crowd of 7,657 on its feet for much of the night the Rams (3-0) won a dogfight of a contest to beat a ranked opponent for the first time since 1998. Rhode Island built a seven-point lead - the largest for either team all night - with 1:41 to go in overtime. Freshman Jared Terrell hit 3-point baskets on back-to-back possessions to start the extra period. Sophomore E.C. Matthews hit a floater with 2:08 to go, and a free throw from T.J. Buchanan made it 62-55 Rhode Island with 1:41 to go. Nebraska responded with a 7-2 run to pull within 64-62, but Matthews made a pair of free throws with 4.0 seconds remaining to clinch the win for the Rams. Rhode Island had a chance to win it in regulation, but a Matthews jumper with two seconds left was off, and Hassan Martin's put-back at the buzzer rolled just off the rim. The last time Rhode Island beat a ranked opponent, was a 70-73 victory over No. 25 Utah on Dec. 2, 1998. Inside the Box Score
22 - E.C. Matthews scored 22 of his 26 points after halftime. What's Next The Rams head south for to take on Kansas at the Orlando Classic Thursday, Nov. 27. The game can be seen live on ESPN2. The Rhody Sports Network will also carry this - and every game - live on B101 (101.5 FM), with Steve McDonald and Don Kaull. |
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