Matthews with 15 points as Rhode Island defeats Massachusetts Lowell 79-68

KINGSTON, R.I. – E.C. Matthews scored 15 points with five rebounds and three assists as Rhode Island defeated Massachusetts Lowell 79-68 on Saturday.

Xavier Munford had a team-high 16 points shooting 8 of 12 from the line. He also had six rebounds and six assists. T. J. Buchanan came in from the bench to score 11 points with four rebounds.

Both teams started cold but a dunk by Munford and a trio of 3-pointers by Matthews midway through the first period moved the Rams (4-2) ahead to lead by eight points at the break. They would open their lead to as much as 15 points in the second period, shooting 53 percent from the field and sinking 61.3 percent from the line.

Chad Holley led the River Hawks with a game-high 23 points. Kerry Weldon chipped in with 9 points and 8 rebounds.