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Kansas beats URI to move on in Orlando

Nov 27, 2014 - 11:25 PM Orlando, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Perry Ellis totaled 17 points and five rebounds as No. 11 Kansas subdued Rhode Island, 76-60, in the Orlando Classic.

Frank Mason III picked up 12 points, with Devonte' Graham and Wayne Selden, Jr. contributing 10 points each for the Jayhawks (3-1), who will face Tennessee on Friday.

E.C. Matthews poured in a game-high 20 points for the Rams (3-1), who were coming off an overtime win against Nebraska. Gilvydas Biruta added 16 points and seven boards in defeat.

Kansas was in control throughout, surging into a comfortable early lead thanks to a 13-2 burst ending on a Mason triple for a 17-6 game less than seven minutes after the opening tip.

Biruta hit two straight baskets and URI reduced its deficit to seven -- the last time Rhode Island's deficit dipped below double digits.

Ellis countered with another trey, then later on Graham contributed four straight points, and Ellis capped another surge with a slam to make it 31-11 with 6:28 to play before the half.

Kansas led 43-25 at the break, and the Rams were only able to trim their deficit to 13 twice -- the final occurrence after a three-pointer from Jared Terrell with 6:02 to go which pulled URI to 62-49.

Mason sank a trey on the next trip down the floor and Cliff Alexander added a dunk to boost Kansas' advantage to 18 less than 90 seconds later. The Jayhawks cruised to the finish.

Game Notes

Matthews committed four of URI's 11 turnovers, which Kansas turned into 13 points ... The Jayhawks outscored the Rams 30-14 in the paint and claimed a 40-31 edge on the glass ... Rhode Island connected on just 19-of-52 field-goal tries (36.5 percent).