The Good 5 Cent Cigar

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brenna McCabe Parfait Bitee did not lead the game in points, but his defense against Dwain Williams of Providence College paved the way for the Rams to win 77-60.

12/05/07 - All season long the University of Rhode Island men's basketball program has stressed the importance of playing as a team, and none have been better examples than four-year players Will Daniels and Parfait Bitee.

"Parfait and Will probably played the best games of their careers," Rams head coach Jim Baron said after his team's 77-60 win over cross-town rival Providence College yesterday.

Amid all the confusion, excitement and energy that invaded the Ryan Center, Daniels and Bitee provided the team with balance, leadership and cohesion.

"They have been more focused than any team I've ever had," coach Baron said of his club. "They really do a lot in getting together, understanding the scouting report and understanding personnel."

Among other players, Bitee and Daniels have been a major part of this focus, which was tested midway through the second half, with Rhody clinging to a six-point lead and the game hanging in the balance.

Then the Rams made their move, breaking off a 22-9 run spanning 8:27 of the second half.

Earlier this season, University of New Hampshire head coach Bill Herrion called this Rhode Island team a "team of spurts," and at the head of this spurt were the two senior leaders.

Yesterday, beginning at the 9:36 mark in the second half, Daniels or Bitee had a hand in 15 of the Rams next 22 points, either by scoring themselves or dishing out dimes.

"I just want to help my teammates out and be a leader out there," Daniels said. "People judge leaders on games like this."

Meanwhile the Friars faltered, committing six turnovers, taking deep shots early in the shot clock and totaling just nine points on a frigid 20 percent from the field.

"We weren't ready for the challenge because we kind of bailed when things got tough," Friars head coach Tim Welsh said.

However, the Rams were ready for the challenge and blew open a close game en route to the 17-point victory behind Bitee and Daniels.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools