KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) _ Ken Mastrole threw two touchdown passes and Matt Birkett caught eight passes for 175 yards to lift previously winless Rhode Island over Maine 23-14 Saturday.

David Jamison added 103 yards rushing and a touchdown for Rhode Island (1-6, 1-3 Atlantic 10), which had not won since last Halloween.

The Rams never trailed as they jumped to a 10-0 first-quarter lead on a Ryan Szczesniak field goal and a 30-yard pass from Mastrole to Justin Henry.

Maine (2-5, 1-3) struggled offensively and defensively. Brian Scott threw three interceptions and the Black Bears defense could not stop Birkett or Jamison in the second half.

Up 10-6, the Rams extended their lead late in the third quarter when Mastrole hit a wide-open Birkett on an 18-yard pass.

Maine closed the gap on Brent Naccara's line plunge and the subsequent two-point conversion, but the Rams struck back quickly, with Jamison finishing a long drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Rhode Island missed several opportunities to open up a bigger lead. The Rams started their first two drives deep inside Maine territory, but could only score three points.