Kingston, RI -- Steve Mello scored 13 points to lead the Rhode Island Rams to an 80-52 victory over the Boston University Terriers in the opening round of the NIT.

Dawan Robinson tallied 12 points in the victory for Rhode Island (20-13), which will take on West Virginia in the first round. Terrence Mack and Brian Woodward added 10 points apiece for the Rams.

Rashad Bell and Chaz Carr netted 14 points apiece in defeat for Boston University (23-6).

Rhode Island shot 7-of-11 from three-point range in the first half, while Boston University missed all 13 of its attempts from behind the arc over the opening 20 minutes. At intermission, the Rams owned a commanding 43-22 advantage.

The Terriers shot 27.6 percent from the floor in the second half to crush any hope they had of mounting a comeback.

Rhode Island earned a commanding 47-25 rebounding advantage in the tilt and shot 11-of-21 from three-point range.