Drexel goes down to first loss of season

KINGSTON, R.I. - Delroy James scored 33 points to lead Rhode Island to a 74-68 victory over Drexel on Wednesday night.

Gerald Colds scored a season-high 17 points and Samme Givens had his second double-double of the year with 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Drexel. Dartaye Ruffin added 14 points for the Dragons (2-1).

The Rams (4-2) used an 11-2 run, thanks to nine points from James, to take a 53-43 lead with 10 minutes to play in the game. Akeem Richmond's three-pointer gave Rhode Island a 62-49 advantage with 6 minutes, 41 seconds remaining.

Drexel cut the lead to 69-64 with 1:08 to go, but the Rams made five free throws in the final minute and the Dragons missed a pair.

Marquis Jones scored 11 points and Will Martell had 10 points for Rhode Island.

It was the second career 30-point game for James, who entered the game averaging 19 points.