URI Beats Auburn in Double OT for 1st W

Article compiled from box score at GoRhody.com. For a recap from the Associated Press via ESPN.com, click here.

Junior Xavier Munford poured in 33 points, including a heave for 3 to force a second overtime, in a 78-72 win for the University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team against the Auburn Tigers.

Munford also had five rebounds, two steals and an assist in 44 minutes for URI. The win is the first of the year for URI, following a five-game losing streak to start the season.

Auburn (2-4) led by five after a half, but struggled to put away the Rams. Jordan Price led the Tigers with 19 points in just 21 minutes, despite only having a single foul.

In addition to Munford, point guard Mike Powell was also on iron man duty, playing 47 of 48 minutes. Andre Malone, a former Auburn recruit, logged 42 minutes, and Nikola Malesevic came off the bench to play 44 minutes.

Malesevic finished with 19 points, and Malone had 13. No other Ram was in double figures.

Freshman Jordan Hare started his third straight game for the Rams, and continued his strong play. Hare finished with just five points, but a team-high nine rebounds and three blocks, and a steal and an assist. His emergence has meant less playing time for the Rams’ other forwards – Ryan Brooks, Mike Aaman and Alwayne Bigby.

URI hosts George Mason (4-2) at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28. The game is being televised on the CBS Sports Network, hence the later start.

For URI’s full schedule, or to buy tickets, click here. Want to chat URI hoops before or after that game? Check out Keaney Blue, the unofficial fan board.