KINGSTON, R.I. – Nikola Malesevic scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Rhode Island held off a late rally by Georgia State in a 65-60 victory on Saturday.
Xavier Munford finished with 17 points for the Rams (4-7), who won their second straight game.
Rhode Island took a 57-47 lead with 5:20 remaining in the second half on Mike Powell's 3-pointer. The Panthers responded with a 10-2 run, capped by Rashaad Richardson's layup to cut the deficit to two points with 2:25 left.
Mike Powell answered with a jumper and Ryan Brooks made a free throw to give the Rams a 62-57 lead with 1:47 remaining. Georgia State trimmed the margin to two points again after Manny Atkins' three-point play, but the Panthers (5-7) were unable to pull closer.
R.J. Hunter finished with 23 points for Georgia State, which has lost three consecutive contests. Atkins and Devonta White each had 14 points.
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