Keith Cothran had 16 points for Rhode Island (16-8, 5-4), while Jimmy Baron added 13.
The Owls led 48-30 five minutes into the second half, but Cothran helped rally the Rams to within 64-57 with 3:17 left to play. Rhode Island closed to 66-60 on a 3-point shot by Lamonte Ulmer with 1:36 to go, but Christmas hit two free throws at 0:19 to end the threat.
Baron, hampered by a sore back, played only 26 minutes, but connected on 5 of 6 shots in the game.
