In the initial moments of the game, it seemed as though Duquesne (8-17, 1-10) would have their way with Rhode Island (8-16, 3-8). But in the end, they weren’t able to channel their momentum into a win.
The Dukes were able to get off to a strong 11-4 lead to start the game before URI hit two 3-pointers to cut the lead to one. After that, no team was able to hold a commanding advantage for the remainder of play.
Late in the game, Duquesne had the ball with a 58-58 score. But a turnover and illegal screen foul by Derrick Colter cost the Dukes a critical three points. Colter had a chance to tie the game and redeem himself in the final seconds, but his 3-pointer was off the mark with 8.3 seconds to play.
The Rams snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory. Nikoloa Malesevic led Rhode Island in scoring with 19 points. Colter scored a game-high 20 points and 7 assists. Jerry Jones had 11, while Marhold had 10 points, 6 rebounds and a career-high tying 5 blocks.
Duquesne will close out their stretch of three games in six days at Butler on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Duquesne Athletics
