Ulmer’s last-second putback seals late run as Rhode Island beats Drexel 80-79

Rhode Island downs Drexel 80-79

PHILADELPHIA — Lamonte Ulmer’s putback with 1.7 seconds left propelled Rhode Island to an 80-79 win over Drexel on Tuesday night.

Samme Givens hit a jumper to put Drexel ahead 79-74 with 39 seconds remaining — then Keith Cothran took over.

Rhode Island’s senior guard hit a pair of free throws to pull the Rams (10-1) within three with 33 seconds left, and then nailed a jumper 16 seconds later to get within 79-78.

After timeouts from both teams, Cothran stole the ball from Givens and pulled up for a jumper. Cothran’s shot wouldn’t go, but Ulmer was there for the game-winning tip-in.

The Dragons (6-7) didn’t attempt a shot from the floor during the Rams’ game-winning 6-0 run.

Cothran had a career-high 28 points for the Rams and Orion Outerbridge added 13. Ulmer scored 11 points and grabbed a career-high 13 boards.

Chris Fouch led Drexel with a career-high 23 points.