PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Jimmy Baron scored 20 points, including four crucial free throws in the last 12.6 seconds, as Rhode Island defeated Penn State 77-72 in the Philly Classic tournament on Friday.
Keith Cothran scored 18 points and Kahiem Seawright had16 for Rhode Island (5-1). Jamelle Cornley scored 23 points and Talor Battle had 15 for the Nittany Lions (5-1).
Rhode Island took a 72-67 lead on a free throw by Delroy James with 19.8 seconds to go, but Cornley made a layup for Penn State seven seconds later. Baron then made two free throws with 12.6 seconds remaining, and after Stanley Pringle missed a 23-footer, Baron ended the game with two more foul shots.
Baron’s shooting sparked Rhode Island to a 29-20 lead with 7:03 left in the first half. Penn State answered with an 11-2 run to tie the score 31-31, but a jumper by Cothran gave the Rams a 33-31 edge at the break.
