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Baron's late shot lifts Rhode Island

Jan 13, 2008 - 10:49 PM PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (Ticker) -- Jimmy Baron made a fadeaway jumper with 3.2 seconds remaining, giving 20th-ranked Rhode Island a dramatic 80-78 victory over Duquesne in an Atlantic 10 Conference thriller Sunday.

Aaron Jackson had given the Dukes a 79-78 lead with 11 seconds left after converting an acrobatic drive to the basket while drawing a foul. However, he was unable to complete the three-point play.

Going without a timeout, the Rams (14-2, 1-1 A-10) went to Baron, who calmly sank the go-ahead basket.

Before making the eventual winning basket, Baron had struggled. The junior, whose mother was in attendance, made 4-of-14 shots, including a 2-of-10 showing from 3-point range.

The Dukes (11-4, 1-1) threw away the ensuing inbound pass following a timeout. Kahiem Seawright then split a pair of free throws, sealing the win.

Will Daniels scored 28 points to pace Rhode Island, which rebounded from a 92-83 loss at No. 22 Dayton on Wednesday.

Already having surpassed its win total from last season when it went 11-19, Duquesne built a 62-55 lead with under 11 minutes remaining on a layup by Kojo Mensah, who scored 14 points.

But Daniels scored eight points in a 12-5 surge, tying the contest at 67-67 with under seven minutes left. No team led by more than three points thereafter.

Reggie Jackson scored 19 points and Gary Tucker added 14 for the Dukes, who led for most of the first half before settling for a 38-37 edge at the break.