KINGSTON, R.I. -- Fatts Russell came off the bench to score 20 points, 14 in the first half, and Rhode Island defeated in-state rival Providence 75-68 on Saturday night.
Jarvis Garrett added 15 and Andre Berry 12 for the Rams (5-2), who led 42-31 at the half and finished with five players in double figures.
Russell, a freshman, had his second consecutive 20-point game, which included three free throws with 4:43 to play after Providence (6-2), had closed within three. The Friars got within three on several more occasions but the Rams protected the lead by finishing 9 of 11 from the foul line in the second half.