Mitchell blocks 8 shots, URI wins defensive battle with BC

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Ishmael El-Amin scored 12 points, Makhel Mitchell blocked a career-high eight shots and Rhode Island beat Boston College 57-49 on Wednesday night.

The teams combined to make nine field goals in the second half — and BC made just 14 baskets in the game, shooting 25%.

Mitchell led the defensive effort for Rhode Island, finishing two blocks shy of the program record. His brother, Makhi Mitchell, helped on the offensive end with 10 points for Rhode Island (3-0).

It was a game of runs in the first half. Rhode Island scored the opening eight points, Boston College answered with 10 straight and the Rams scored the next nine for a 17-10 lead. Rhode Island led 35-26 at the break behind nine points from Makhi Mitchell. Quinten Post also had a team-high nine points for BC at the break.

T.J. Bickerstaff scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for Boston College (3-1), which lost for the first time under coach Earl Grant. DeMarr Langford Jr., averaging 17.3 points per game, was held to two points on 1-of-8 shooting and Makai Ashton-Langford, 13.0 points, scored five points.

Both teams will travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. for the Sunshine Slam this weekend. URI faces Tulsa in the opening round on Saturday, while BC goes against Utah.

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