Rhode Island wallops Detroit 69-55 with 2nd-half surge

Dec 20, 2014, 06:33 pm

KINGTSON, R.I. -- E.C. Matthews had only four points by halftime, but roared to life after the break to finish with 23 as Rhode Island surged past Detroit 69-55 on Saturday.

For much of the second half Matthews single-handedly outscored Detroit 18-17. Rhode Island (7-3) is 5-0 at home.

The first half was quite different as Juwan Howard scored 13 for Detroit (6-6), and the Titans bench outscored Rhode Island's 23-12 en route to a 36-34 lead at the half.

But Howard was tightly guarded after halftime, taking seven shots -- and not making one till 3:53 remained and Detroit down by 17. He finished with 17 points, his other four starters adding only four more.

Rhode Island opened the second half 19-4, taking control of the game. Aside from shutting down Howard, the Rams sank 26 of 34 from the line, forced 18 turnovers and blocked seven shots, Hassan Martin with four.