THE EARLY LINE URI VS UMASS

[luke]

The line for the final regular season game is out and it is URI - 3 1/2 . Despite how bad UMASS is I'm surprised that the Rams are even favored .
I'm hoping things will begin to turn around tomorrow . If they are to have any chance to win the A 10 tournament it must begin with winning
this game and have no indication either way whether that is going to happen . so all that is left is to hope they can start with one win before
the tournament will begin for them on next Friday. Winning is as contagious as losing . We have seen in recent years that things can change
a dime . Maybe we will see it again.

[reef]

I will be on UMass plus points

[ramster]

The way our MBB Team is looking right now I’d not use the phrase “how bad UMASS is” or any D1 team.

UMASS starts 3 Freshmen plus the lost Freshman TJ Weeks who was off to a great start last November before Illness.

I think UMASS is a program on the upswing. 3 good recruits coming in next season plus TJ Weeks returning. Future is looking up for UMASS basketball imho.

[theblueram]

Since this game has no consequence to the NCAAT, might as well start Dadika and Green.

[STC]

I’m expecting a flat URI team and Tre Mitchell abusing us in the paint.

UMass looks like they are actually coming together. Winners of 5 of 7 with only losses to Dayton and Richmond during that stretch.

[ramster]

Coming together with 3 starting freshmen and a nice 2020 recruiting class in the way.

[luke]

UMASS is 14-16 so I would not consider them to be a good team regardless of what the future may hold for them . They are certainly playing better basketball over the past 6 games and that is why I do not feel confident in either team at this time . However , how the last UMASS game ended may incentivize certain if not all of the URI players and they will not be intimidated by UMASS.

[Rhody72]

Reservations expressed above about this game are sad but true.

[theblueram]

This game has like no interest for me. It is really a meaningless game. If they win by 1,000 or lose by 1 it has no impact on where this team is right now.

[luke]

blue ram it may impact the play of the team going forward . we have seen that this team is capable of playing well at times and I
think confidence is a big factor with these players . Let's say they regain a level of confidence that enables them to beat # 6 and then
bear Richmond to go to the final game of the A 10 Tournament . At that point, have another good game and win the final and move on to
the NCAA tournament . Is this all feasible ? I still think it is . Is it likely ? Maybe not , but winning tomorrow makes it much more likely.
So I think it is still a very important game.

[ramster]

It’s a very important game to NOT lose. Lose this game and it makes for a long bus ride home and a more dejected team headed to NYC

We are still a Top 4 Seed with a Bye. Before the season started all would have been pleased with a 3-seed or 4-seed

But if as several of you say the game means nothing then I’d start Green, Dadika, Long, Toppin and Walker. Play them all 30 minutes or more. Many of you are saying the guys are fatigued so a win win for many of you

Personally I’m very much looking forward to the game.

[section(105)]

......lov ya the blueram, but bad take on this game......

[ramster]

Maybe this fires some up for this game? From UMASS poster in URI Game thread. Get the beer flowing


Floyd. Hall of Fame
Re: Game 31, 2019-20: Rhode Island (3/7)
Quote
Post Thu Mar 05, 2020 1:51 pm

They want a good crowd, make it $2 beer night. Get the place juiced up and loud. There will be a good Rhody crowd I'm sure so we need to fill the place up. Should be a great college basketball atmosphere

[theblueram]

Maybe a bad take, maybe not. I left my voice and my soul in the RC this year. I screamed until my voice was gone. I love this team and agonize with the defeat. URI basketball is my number one sport above anything else , pro or not.

[ramster]

Game means little according to several here

Dowtin and Langevine are banged up
Russell is said by several to be worn out, tired and/or hurt

So perfect time to play Harris 35 minutes or til he fouls out

Play Toppin 35 minutes. Let him take 3’s, gain confidence

Play Long and Walker a lot!!!!

It will pay dividends in NYC

Starters who are tired and hurt rest

Bench players and Harris get a ton of minutes

Do it PLEASE

Nothing to lose, lots to gain

[section(105)]

......if they are keeping score, then play the game to win......as a coach, try selling anything less to the players who want to win, period....

[ramster]

Play to win in NYC
Play to get the NCAA Bid

Rest the players who need resting

Please please play Toppin as much as possible. This kid has very good potential. 15 minutes is not enough

UMASS starts 3 freshman - let’s do the same.

Nothing to lose, lots to gain. Needed rest and valuable minutes for bench guys to get a good run and gain confidence

Think and plan towards a week from today!

[section(105)]

.......I will stand by win, if the score board is lit up......players wanna win.....coaches wanna win.....the next game........

[rhodylaw]

Stop it with the fatigue claim - they are fatigued of losing. It shows. They need a slump buster.

[ramster]

Of course fatigue is not the issue
But fatigue is often brought up here as an excuse
So if Cox plays the starters Saturday their typical 36 mpg in a meaningless game then I’d hope that puts fatigue to rest - pardon the pun.

[eli#10]

I cannot agree the game does not matter. If we win we are assured of a 3rd place finish. A loss and a St Louis win means we fall to fourth place and if we win on Friday means we will play Dayton again on Saturday unless they get upset which ain't gonna happen.
Am I missing something?

[DanInAZ]

It does matter. Get to 23 wins. Easier with this W.

[reef]

Yes it still is a big game seeding on the line for sure