Men’s basketball defeats Rhode Island, Holmes II breaks school record

Sophomore Toumani Camara led the Flyers with 18 points Friday. Photo by Keegan Gupta, Flyer News. 

Lauren Durham | Print Editor-in-Chief

The Flyers men’s basketball team defeated the University of Rhode Island Rams 53-51 Friday night at UD Arena. 

Sophomore Toumani Camara led the team with 18 points,10 rebounds and four assists. 

Freshman Daron Holmes II had 12 points and six rebounds. He tied the single-game school record for blocks for the third time this season with six blocked shots. 

Holmes also broke the school record for most blocks in a season with 56. The previous record, 55 blocks, was held by the late Steve McElvene.

“I know Big Steve is smiling down,” Grant said.

Camara shared his excitement for Holmes, saying he was not surprised the record was broken by him. 

“I always knew. He’s getting better every day,” Camara said. “I’m not surprised he beat that record. I am surprised he beat it that early.” 

The Flyers had difficulties on offense, shooting 31% from the field and 27% from 3-point-range. There was also a nearly 9-minute scoring drought in the second half that ended with a dunk by Holmes. 

Coach Anthony credits the team’s defensive “disruption” for the win. 

“It’s great when you can learn through winning,” Grant said. “Defense has put us in the position to be able to win.”

The Flyers are now 4-1 at home in Atlantic 10 Conference play. They will play VCU on Wednesday and Saint Louis on Feb. 5 before returning home to play Duquesne on Feb. 9. 

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