URI’s Jalen Carey slams in first half. (Photo courtesy Position Sports)

By KEVIN McNAMARA

Bubbleville has brought zero fun to the Rhode Island Rams.

For the second straight night the Rams had a golden opportunity for an important win slip through their fingers. This time it was the Boston College Eagles who responded under pressure and took home a 69-64 victory.

URI’s last lead came with 9:48 to play but David Cox’s team was always a possession or two away from grabbing control. However like in a 94-88 loss to Arizona State Wednesday, the Rams could not deliver late.

“We didn’t get in a really good flow on offense at all,” Cox said. “We were just disjointed. We didn’t share the ball like we shared it (vs. Arizona State).

Trailing by just 64-60 inside of two minutes, URI nearly forced a turnover but BC’s Makai Ashton-Langford chased the ball down in the backcourt. He then launched a prayer from 35 feet that missed but BC’s Stephon Mitchell fought for inside position on URI’s Makhi Mitchell. He grabbed the rebound and scored while getting fouled. His free throw made it a 67-60 game with just 1:46 on the clock.

“We didn’t block out and they got the offensive rebound and finished it,” Cox said. “Just a fundamental flaw.”

BC’s Mitchell, who hurt Rhody inside with 15 points and 8 rebounds, spoke about the game’s critical play.

“My goal is to go to the glass as much as I can,” BC’s Mitchell said. “I saw that my guys back was turned so I tried to wedge him out and make the play.

Rhody coach David Cox on disappointing effort vs. BC pic.twitter.com/rq25Zw5ACx

— Kevin McNamara (@KevinMcNamara33) November 27, 2020

LEADERS:

Fatts Russell – 23 points, 9-of-20 FG’s.

Jeremy Sheppard – Only other Ram in double figures with 10 points.

Winston Tabbs – 16 points, 10 rebounds.

Steffon Mitchell – 15 points, 8 rebounds.

QUICK HITTERS:

*The Rams put up 88 points against Top 25 Arizona State but that offnesive pop was missing against BC. The Rams managed just seven assists on 26 field goals.

*Key lift of the game came from Rich Kelly, BC’s transfer guard from Quinnipiac. Kelly finished with 11 points.

*BC coach Jim Christian: “These games come down to making plays. Villanova made every mid-range pullup (Wednesday). That’s what they do. You’re playing good teams, you have to find a way to make plays down the stretch and we were fortunate enough to do it.”

*Freshman Ishmael Leggett appears to be a keeper. He owns a nose for the balls and makes plays on the perimeter and close to the rim.

UP NEXT: South Florida Saturday, Bubbleville.