Rhode Island’s nine 3-pointers from Jonah Hinton end Saint Louis’ streak in 81-76 loss

Rhode Island hands Saint Louis a rare conference setback

Rhode Island defeated No. 18 Saint Louis 81-76 on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Kingston, Rhode Island, snapping the Billikens’ 18-game winning streak and handing them their first Atlantic 10 loss of the season. Saint Louis fell to 24-2 overall and 12-1 in conference play, while Rhode Island improved to 15-11 and 6-7.

Hinton’s perimeter shooting created separation

Rhode Island guard Jonah Hinton delivered the defining performance of the night, scoring 29 points while making nine 3-pointers. His efficiency from distance shaped both halves: Rhode Island carried a 43-37 lead into intermission after Hinton scored 23 points before the break, and his ninth 3-pointer later pushed the Rams ahead 65-58 with 8:48 remaining.

Rhode Island led for much of the night, and Saint Louis spent extended stretches trying to close gaps rather than establish control.

Turnovers and late misses decided the final possessions

Saint Louis committed 18 turnovers and trailed for most of the game, including a first half in which the Billikens gave the ball away 10 times and fell behind 22-15 midway through the period. Despite staying within striking distance late, Saint Louis’ final opportunities came up short.

After Rhode Island’s Myles Corey made two free throws for a 79-76 lead with 26.3 seconds left, Saint Louis had two chances to tie from beyond the arc. Robbie Avila and Ishan Sharma each missed a 3-pointer in the closing sequence. Tyler Cochran then sealed the result at the line, making two free throws with 13.6 seconds remaining.

Key contributors on both sides

• Saint Louis: Robbie Avila led with 21 points; Dion Brown added 19.

• Rhode Island: Myles Corey scored 15 points and went 11-for-11 on free throws; Tyler Cochran scored 11.

What the result means in the Atlantic 10 race

The loss ended one of the nation’s longest active winning streaks and marked Saint Louis’ first conference defeat, tightening the race near the top of the Atlantic 10 standings. Saint Louis is scheduled to return home to face Virginia Commonwealth on Friday in a matchup with direct implications for first place, while Rhode Island is set to travel to La Salle on Saturday.