If there were proof the University of Rhode Island’s basket may have had cellophane covering it, sharpshooting sophomore Jimmy Baron provided it Saturday.

Baron, the son of URI coach Jim Baron, stepped to the free-throw line in the second half having hit a perfect 28 of 28 from the stripe this season. Last year, he missed just one charity – an intentional brick at the end of a two-point loss to Wagner.

So the automatic Baron went to the line in Allen Fieldhouse, took a few dribbles and proceeded to brick both of his shots. It was the first time he ever unintentionally missed a free throw in college.

Such shooting woes plagued Rhode Island in spurts Saturday, contributing to an 80-69 loss to Kansas University. Despite doing well from the free-throw line – save Baron’s clanks – the Rams shot just 36 percent from the field overall.

“They’re just good defensively,” Will Daniels said of the Jayhawks. “They played solid. They’re very big and very strong. We knew it wouldn’t be easy to get our shots off.”

The Rams (7-7) shot 21 percent from the field in the first half. Often, they were able to scrap their way to offensive rebounds, totaling 17 before the break. But then, in agonizing fashion, they missed the second-chance points more often than not.

“We just dug ourselves a little hole,” coach Baron said. “But down eight at halftime, I was really pleased (despite) only shooting 20 percent.”

To be fair, Rhode Island heated up in the second half, shooting 56 percent after the break. Daniels had most of his team-high 21 points after halftime.

And then there was Jimmy Baron, who hit three long three-pointers to demonstrate his terrific range, all while being guarded.

That’s all fine. But when Baron went to his automatic spot on the floor to shoot two free throws, he provided the microcosm of Rhode Island’s evening. The nation’s best free-throw shooter didn’t make either one of his shots.

“I’ve never seen that,” Daniels said. “But with this atmosphere, it’s definitely possible.”

Rhode Island opens Atlantic-10 Conference play Wednesday with a home game versus La Salle.