Rhode Island defeats McNeese State 76-71

Nov 26, 2013, 10:50 pm

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Xavier Munford scored 26 points and made a game-high six 3-pointers Tuesday night to lead Rhode Island to a 76-71 victory over McNeese State.

Munford had 13 points in the first half and has scored in double figures in seven of eight games.

Rhode Island (6-2) led by 21 points after a 3-point shot by Jarelle Reischel with 12:45 remaining. McNeese State erased the lead to close within three points at 72-69 with 20 seconds remaining. Reischel and Gilvydas Biruta each made two free throws in the closing seconds to give the Rams their third-straight win.

Biruta scored 17 points and Reischel added 11. Rhode Island had a season-high 16 assists, Biggie Minnis led with eight.

Kevin Hardy was 11 of 27 from the floor and scored a career-high 24 points to lead McNeese State (2-5).