James has 21 points, 11 rebounds to lead Rhode Island to 89-84 victory over Fairfield

Rhode Island holds off Fairfield 89-84

KINGSTON, R.I. — Delroy James scored 21 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Rhode Island to an 89-84 victory over Fairfield on Sunday.

Lamonte Ulmer added 20 points and eight rebounds for the Rams (9-1), who have won five consecutive games this season and 20 straight home games against non-conference opponents.

Rhode Island trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half, but the Rams took a 39-38 lead on Ulmer’s layup at the halftime buzzer and remained in front throughout the second half.

The Stags (8-3) cut the lead to 74-73 with 3:13 left and 81-79 with 47 seconds remaining, but the Rams hit five free throws in the final 9 seconds.

Will Martell and Ben Eaves added 11 points each for Rhode Island.

Anthony Johnson led Fairfield with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Yorel Hawkins scored 18, Derek Needham added 17 and Ryan Olander added 13 points for the Stags.