Rhode Island Squeeks By Bonnies

Tyson Wheeler scored 17 points, including a crucial basket with 1:04 to play, to help Rhode Island beat St. Bonaventure 67-66 Sunday.

St. Bonaventure (14-9, 4-6 Atlantic 10) had a chance to win the game, but a pair of short jumpers by Rashaan Palmer in the final three seconds hit the rim and bounced off.

Rhode Island (16-5, 8-2) hit its first 18 free throws before missing its last four in the game's final minute.

The Rams broke open a close contest in the first half, outscoring the Bonnies 23-5 over a seven-minute span to take a 37-18 lead with 4:40 remaining.

With Tim Winn hitting a shot from mid-court at the buzzer, St. Bonaventure narrowed the score to 41-31 at the break. The Bonnies then pulled ahead 51-50 with 13:15 in the game. But the Rams charged ahead for good later on a pair of free throws by Cuttino Mobley, putting Rhode Island up 65-64.

Palmer led St. Bonaventure with 18 points, while Winn and David Capers each added 12.

Mobley scored 15 and Preston Murphy came off the bench to add 11 for Rhode Island. Antonio Reynolds-Dean had 10 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots.

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