The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men’s basketball team had a frustrating night on the road at St. Catharine College, Thursday night. Rio struggled shooting the ball, struggled with the pressure defense of the Patriots, struggled with the length and athleticism of the opposition and even struggled with what they do better than anyone, shoot free throws. All in all it added up to an 81-46 loss and keeps the RedStorm winless in the Mid-South Conference.

Points were hard to come by early in the game for both teams as neither side could get into a flow. Rio Grande led one time in the game at 7-6 after a three-pointer by senior guard P.J. Rase (Wheelersburg, OH) five minutes into the game.  

Tony Harris led Rio in scoring with 15 points while Rase added 13. 

SCC also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Rio 40-28. The turnovers were a huge factor as Rio totaled 31 miscues to 17 for the Patriots. Twenty of the 31 turnovers were as a result of St. Catharine steals.

Rio’s road trip will continue to NAIA No. 21 Cumberlands on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Stretch Internet will have play-by-play coverage beginning at 3:45 p.m. after the women’s game. Rio lost to Cumberlands, 79-63 at Rio Grande on January 30.