University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
Rhode Island
Men's Basketball Falls to Rhode Island, 75-43
12/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss.) - Rhode Island score the first seven points of the game and never looked back, as Southern Miss had its 19-game home winning streak snapped by the Rams, 75-43, Saturday night at Reed Green Coliseum.
The Golden Eagles also had its 38-game non-conference home regular season winning streak snapped, and it was the worst home loss since an 80-57 defeat against UAB in 2006.
Shadell Millinghaus led Southern Miss with 13 points and a season-high six rebounds. Matt Bingaya scored 11 points and Norville Carey added six points and five boards.
Rhode Island scored the first seven points of the game, as Southern Miss committed three turnovers and missed its first four shots before Bingaya hit a three-pointer more than three into the game.
The teams traded baskets before a layup from Biggie Minnis and an E.C. Matthews three pushed the lead to nine.
After a pair of baskets, Carey hit a layup, then made one-of-two free throws to cut the deficit to 16-10 midway through the half. But, jumpers from Jared Terrell and two from Hassan Martin gave the Rams a 22-10 lead.
Davon Hayes brought it to within single digits with a three-pointer, but Rhode Island went on an 8-0 run for a 30-13 lead with 2:22 to play.
Millinghaus then hit one-of-two free throws before Rhode Island scored five straight points. Chip Armelin closed the half with a three-pointer to send Southern Miss into the break facing a 35-17 deficit.
The Black and Gold began the second half looking like a different team. On the opening possession, Bingaya picked off a Gilvydas Biruta pass and scored on an uncontested layup. After Biruta scored three straight, Southern Miss scored eight of the next nine points to cut the deficit to 39-27.
However, Rhode Island went on a 14-3 run to extend its lead to 53-30, putting the game away.
Southern Miss shot just 39.5% (15-of-38) from the field and 20.0% (3-of-15) from three. URI connected on 29-of-52 (55.8%) from the floor and 7-of-16 (43.8%) from three. The Rams also outrebounded Southern Miss, 30-to-27.
Hassan Martin led all scorers with 15 points and Terrell had 12.
Southern Miss closes its homestand next Saturday, December 13, when it hosts Spring Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
