URI Stops Boston College In Defensive Battle Wednesday, Current Rams Honor Memory of Ryan Preston

University of Rhode Island Press Release

Rhode Island Starters
Jeremy Sheppard, Ishmael Leggett, Makhi Mitchell, Makhel Mitchell, Ishmael El-Amin

Boston College Starters
T.J Bickerstaff, Jaeden Zackery, DeMarr Langford, Makai Langford-Ashton, Quinten Post

How it Happened
A strong offensive performance in the first half followed by a lockdown defensive showing in the second half paved the way for Rhode Island to beat Boston College 57-49 Wednesday.

The Rams (3-0) were 15-of-27 (55.6 percent) in the first 20 minutes, including 5-for-11 from 3-point range. With Makhi Mitchell shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor, Ishmael El-Amin added seven points and Jeremy Sheppard scoring six, Rhode Island built a nine-point lead by halftime.

The second half played differently, as the Rams relied on its defense. With Makhel Mitchell serving as the rim-protecting anchor, Rhode Island blocked eight shots after halftime. Boston College (3-1) was just 5-for-27 from the floor in the second half. Despite shooting 4-for-16 itself, Rhode Island never relinquished its lead.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island is 3-0 to start a season for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
• URI had 13 blocked shots, the fifth most in program history. Makhel Mitchell had a career-high eight, tied for the second most in a game in program history.
• The Rams had 16 assists on its 19 field goals. Eight different players had at least one.
• The first 20 minutes of the game marked the fourth time in five halves the team shot 50.0 percent or better from the floor.
• Malik Martin was strong off the bench, scoring seven points, grabbing three rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes.
• Jalen Carey added eight points, three rebounds and one steal in 12 strong minutes.
• He led a Rhody bench effort that helped URI outscored BC, 15-2.
• Ishmael El-Amin led URI with 12 points, including a key 3-pointer late that extended Rhody’s lead to 55-45 with 3:19 to go.
• Makhi Mitchell neared a double-double, scoring 10 points with eight rebounds. He also had two assists and two blocked shots.

Up Next
Rhode Island heads to Daytona Beach, Fla. for the Sunshine Slam this weekend. The Rams open against Tulsa on Saturday, Nov. 20. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.