KINGSTON, R.I. -- Hassan Martin had 21 points and eight rebounds while Gilvydas Biruta added 15 and 11 as Rhode Island rolled past Division-II Pace 94-54 in the season opener for both teams on Friday night.

The Rams shot an efficient 63 percent from the field and had five players score in double figures. E.C. Matthews finished with 14 points, Matthew Butler chipped in 12 and Jared Terrell 11.

Rhode Island surged out to a 29-9 lead midway through the first half on Biggie Minnis' layup and pushed it to 51-22 at halftime. They led by as much as 43 in the second half.

Kyle Pearson led Pace with 17 points and eight rebounds and Shelton Mickel added 10 points. Pace was limited to 20-of-56 shooting (35.7 percent) and committed 17 turnovers, which led to 25 points for Rhode Island.

The Rams dominated inside, outscoring Pace 54-22 in the paint.