Hurricanes Roll Over Eastern Michigan, 93-56
Nov 18, 2001
ST. THOMAS,VIRGIN ISLANDS (hurricanesports.com) – Sophomore forward Darius Rice (Jackson,MS) recorded 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the University of Miami men’s basketball team to a 93-56 win over Eastern Michigan in their opening game ofthe Virgin Islands Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Miami (1-0) will play Alabama-Birmingham (1-0) Monday at 7:45 p.m. (ET) with the winner advancing to Tuesday’s championship game against either LaSalle or Clemson.
Rice, one of 30 preseason candidates for the Naismith National Player of the Year Award, scored 12 points in a decisive 24-7 run to open the second half as the Hurricanes extended their 47-29 lead at halftime to 35 points (71-36).
Miami starters outscored Eastern Michigan’s 75-44. Junior forward James Jones (MiamiAmerican) poured in 17 points despite playing just 18 minutes because of foul trouble. Senior guard John Salmons (Philadelphia, PA) had a strong all-around game posting 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals while sophomore guard Marcus Barnes (Miami Senior) added 13 points and four assists.
The Hurricanes out-rebounded the Eagles 46-32 on the night and dominated defensively, holding Eastern Michigan to just 16-50 (.320) shooting from the field and recorded 35 points off 26 EMU turnovers.
