11/25 | #18 Arizona State | 7:00 PM (ESPN) | Empire Classic – Mohegan Sun

[SGreenwell]

University of Rhode Island vs
#18 Arizona State University
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
7:00PM

Media
TV: ESPN
Online: ESPN
Radio: 101.5 FM (B101) or
Tune In
Radio App

Previews:

Arizona
State’s Fan Forum

Wait…what the hell just happened? We go from playing Stephen F Austin & Towson to playing Arizona St & Villanova/Boston College. Sold. The season hasn’t even started yet & things are getting crazy. Rhody will take on a familiar face to open the 2020-21 basketball season as they take on Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State Sun Devils. Hurley…hmmm…why does that name sound so familiar? Yeah, we all know the deal.

The Sun Devils are led by returning senior Remy Martin, who went for 19 & 4 last season. The good news is he is turnover prone, averaging just over 3 a game so hopefully Fatts can show him why he is a defensive force on the court. Arizona State lost some of their height, losing their top 2 rebounders. But all is not lost for Hurley’s Sun Devils as they had the 7th best recruiting class in the country. Josh Christopher was the big signing, as he is the 2nd best incoming SG in the country. Throw in another top 100 player in SF Marcus Begley, they definitely have enough horses to be a force in the Pac-12.

This is the first match-up between these two teams since 32 years ago, during Al Skinner’s first year at the helm. The last time these 2 teams squared off, Rams guard Herb Dixon had a heck of a game, scoring 19 & by setting two school records in assists (12) and steals (7). Those two records have since been topped by Tyson Wheeler with 13 assists against Penn in 1997 & Fatts Russell with 8 steals against Saint Louis in March of this year.

Looking at the game tomorrow, I think it is going to be a fun match-up. Anytime Rhody plays a ranked opponent it is a big opportunity for a
statement win. URI’s last ranked win came in the same building against Seton Hall 3 years ago. I can’t wait to see the Remy vs Fatts match-up. I
think this game will be sloppy at times as the teams shake off the rust. My heart says Rhody pulls off the 75-72 upset but my head says URI loses by
9. Hopefully my heart wins out. Wear a Mask & Go Rhody!

Opponent
Record:
0-0, 0-0 in the Pac-12
Last season: 20-11, 11-7 in the Pac-12

Rankings:
RPI: 47
KenPom: 23
NCAA NET: 54*
BPI: 29
* = Last Year’s Rankings

Last Year’s Leaders Who Are Still On Roster :
Points – Remy Martin 19.1 (Sr.,G)
Rebounds – Alonzo Ferge Jr. 3.5 (Sr., G)
Assists – Remy Martin, 4.1 (Sr., G) (3.1 TO per game)

Historical
Series: 0-3
H: 0-0, A: 0-2, N: 0-1
Most Recent Matchup:
12/3/88
99-87 L at Arizona St
Most Recent Win Streak: 3 – Arizona St
Match-up Predictor: Not Available Yet
KenPom Predictor: 81-71 AZ St – URI 20% Chance of Winning


Steve's Old Post

► Show Spoiler

University of Rhode Island vs #18 Arizona State
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
7:00 PM ET

Media
TV: Bristol-based "ESPN," an all sports network
Online: ESPN+ app, most likely
Radio: 920 AM/104.7 FM (WHJJ) (Maybe?)

Previews:
Arizona State fan forum



Since I'm kind of doing this on the fly, well, you're going to have to Google a preview of Arizona State on your own. They're ranked coming into the game, so, there is plenty on them out there. (Spooky, if you want to write something up, I'll edit it in later - PM it to me.)

Historical
Surprisingly, URI and Arizona State have played three times, with the Rams losing all three. The last time was in 1988, and two previous times were in the 1960s, so this is probably of limited use. They have some guy named Hurley coaching, but not the Hurley we know. Well... We kind of know him, but not as well as the other one who now calls Connecticut home.

[DC_Rams]

It’ll be on ESPN.

[ace]

On paper, ASU is the better team- they’ve got the ranking and the recruits and all that, and their backcourt is incredible. But, as much as it might take some time for URI to get it together, the same holds true for ASU. Dave and Bobby are talking about their teams in similar ways right now. They like their respective talent but neither is quite content with how they look as teams. They’re still getting everyone to accept roles, and most coaches would be lying if they said they knew how their teams are going to look game one. Basketball is going to be ugly this season, especially early. Who knows?

Remy Martin versus Fatts is an all-name matchup, and they are both super talented.

[neil]

Kudos to all the fans who posted over the last six months. I have not posted but have read all. Great opportunity to play teams that we probably not get a home and some. Neutral courts, should be interesting. Two easy questions- Will coach Dan be in attendance? And who will he root for? Can’t wait until Wednesday! Go Rhody!

[SGreenwell]

It’ll be on ESPN.

It will, yes! For clarity's sake, this network is NOT pronounced "Es Pen." It's a common mistake to make, but it is actually Eee Ess Pea En.

[Seawrightspostgame]

I like this matchup more than SFA. Sort of. ASU over the past few years has played a boom/bust style. They do certain things better than anyone and do other things terribly. Opportunity there.

[hrstrat57]

Expecting a entertaining barn burner!

Go Rhody

[NYGFan_Section208]

I like the less than 48 hours notice better than if it had been scheduled all along...

[ramster]

I like the less than 48 hours notice better than if it had been scheduled all along...

Same here
Players and Coaches are thrilled with this!

[PeteRI]

So I guess I cancel my Flomax subscription and kiss my $32.09 goodbye.

[NYGFan_Section208]

It’ll be on ESPN.

It will, yes! For clarity's sake, this network is NOT pronounced "Es Pen." It's a common mistake to make, but it is actually Eee Ess Pea En.

I think those are both wrong. It's actually pronounced essp'n.

[Dino611]

Bill Koch posted his article with the matchup with the two teams idk if bill has the inside scoop on the starting lineup but it’s listed jalen at the three with antwan and Jermaine at the 4 & 5

[TruePoint]

What happened?

Not that it matters too much, this is good and cool!

[PeteRI]

Nothing like starting our season off with a B A N G!!!

[Rhody74]

What happened?

Not that it matters too much, this is good and cool!

Baylor pulled out because of Covid, leaving the spot open for Rhody.

[Rhody Sody]

Happy for Fatts and Shepp, chance to make a statement OOC on the big stage this week. Also great tests for the team to see where they stand. Solid moves by Rhody.

[ace]

Just imagining how much some of you would have whined and complained if another school dropped Rhody on their schedule for a better opportunity...

[ramster]

Just imagining how much some of you would have whined and complained if another school dropped Rhody on their schedule for a better opportunity...

Point taken
Tough for Stephen F Austin and Towson

[hrstrat57]

Maybe the Friars will call SFA

Wait nope they’re not a

[Jersey77]

What a way to start the season and we thought Stephen F Austin would be a tough match up, We are certainly getting the tough OOC games that we were hoping for. I can't wait for Wednesday night and to open up on ESPN, that is special.

[DanInAZ]

ASU vs Rhody is my dream matchup, especially under the current circumstances.

Guards Fatts vs Remy is an A++ matchup. Two HIGH energy players, both staying for their Senior years, both with lots of swagger. Look for Remy and his exaggerated no-look head shake. *smirk. I will give slight edge to Fatts in this one, due to his 1:1 defensive skills.

Seriously, this is a dream for me.

#1) Rhody is my fav, of course.
#2) Seton Hall, as we grew up about 10 minutes away from Seton Hall in Jersey and my dad was friends with PJ (both NJ college basketball coaches).
#3) ASU, because I moved out to Tempe a few moons ago and my sister graduated w/ Masters and then was, and is still, part of their Admin

I will be the enemy of my family this week, except for possibly my dad, who has always bonded over college hoops with me. Then again his only daughter. Hmmmmm. *ponders*

The only downside to this game is that this will be the 1st game of the season for everyone (points his fingers at you, refs) so play may be much sloppier than will be normal for both teams going forward.

LFG!!!! Woooooohooooooo!

[PeterRamTime]

This is so amazing!

Are our guys and Arizona States guys all there and safe?

I want it to happen!

[Ramulous]

As a certified old dude I am proud to say I was at the last Rhody/ASU game. My travel companion was Carl Koussa

[Jersey77]

As a certified old dude I am proud to say I was at the last Rhody/ASU game. My travel companion was Carl Koussa

Nice blast from the past. I spent so many early years sitting next to Carl Koussa on the Keaney floor along with my frat brothers, it was entertaining.

[RhodyFanNotAlum]

So glad I had already decided not to shell out for that Flomax $ub$cription!

[RhodyFanNotAlum]

Just imagining how much some of you would have whined and complained if another school dropped Rhody on their schedule for a better opportunity...

Point taken
Tough for Stephen F Austin and Towson

Army is replacing Rhody in the SFA/Towson pod. At least nobody loses a game. Totally accurate that people would be up in arms on here if it were the other way around, but this isn't a normal year and I'm sure we're going to see plenty more of this sort of thing over the nonconference season. It isn't something you hold a grudge over à la what PC or Nevada did.

https://www.ktre.com/2020/11/23/sfa-bas ... e-tip-off/

[steviep123]

Wow, quite the upgrade in the schedule. Of course the PC trolls (the ones on twitter who prove time and again they care more about what we do than their own supposed team) are all quacking about hoping we get trounced by ASU and also hope we get Villanova. Ironic since they ducked out of playing us.

[Rhody74]

Tough.

[PeteRI]

Tough.

I hope we can stay healthy!!!

[RhodyRams12]

[SGreenwell]

Tough.

Oof. Looks like we got extra fortunate with the timing here.

[RamFaninSF]

I haven't seen a line published by anyone yet, and I'm curious to see if we even get one given the cancellation/late scheduling. I'd expect it someone in the range of ASU -8.5 to -10.5. Either way, I think you gotta take the points given all the uncertainty.

[SGreenwell]

I haven't seen a line published by anyone yet, and I'm curious to see if we even get one given the cancellation/late scheduling. I'd expect it someone in the range of ASU -8.5 to -10.5. Either way, I think you gotta take the points given all the uncertainty.

At least for the NBA and NFL, offense was up overall, and especially up, as play started. Not sure if that'll hold for college hoops, and/or if the linesmakers will have adjusted based on those other sports.

[Rhody74]

I can’t imagine betting in this environment unless you have money to burn.

[ace]

Kudos to all the fans who posted over the last six months. I have not posted but have read all. Great opportunity to play teams that we probably not get a home and some. Neutral courts, should be interesting. Two easy questions- Will coach Dan be in attendance? And who will he root for? Can’t wait until Wednesday! Go Rhody!

No one’s allowed in, but he has to work anyway


FWIW (and that’s not much at this point), KenPom has it 81-71 (ASU).

[SGreenwell]

Updated the initial post to include SpookyDog's preview. Thank you! (And sorry it took me so long to post - need to check my email more.)

[TruePoint]

I can’t imagine betting in this environment unless you have money to burn.

Probably shouldn’t be betting in any environment unless you can afford to lose. But agree that it feels even more like blind luck now than usual.

[Roz]

Betting where nobody knows anything helps the guy off the street vs pros.

[rhodysurf]

URI didnt beat Seton hall at Mohegan Spooky! Its was at barclays wasnt it?

[RhodyRams12]

[RamFaninSF]

Betting where nobody knows anything helps the guy off the street vs. pros.

This was kind of my thought as well. Usually, it's a given you know less than the oddsmakers, but at this point, how much could anyone know.

[spookydog]

URI didnt beat Seton hall at Mohegan Spooky! Its was at barclays wasnt it?

Damn, you are right. I confused it with the Cincinnati win at Mohegan. My bad. Admins can edit if necessary.

[RF1]

URI didnt beat Seton hall at Mohegan Spooky! Its was at barclays wasnt it?

Damn, you are right. I confused it with the Cincinnati win at Mohegan. My bad. Admins can edit if necessary.

Rhody did however play Seton Hall at Mohegan in the HOF Tournament in Hurley's first season in 2012. Lost to the Pirates 60-55 the day after getting beaten by Ohio State 69-58. These games along with Duke in 2016 are URI's three losses at Mohegan Sun Arena. URI has wins over Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and West Virginia there for a .500 overall all-time record in the venue.

[R.Kelly150]

What’s Vegas think about this game.... whats the line?

[PeterRamTime]

URI didnt beat Seton hall at Mohegan Spooky! Its was at barclays wasnt it?

Damn, you are right. I confused it with the Cincinnati win at Mohegan. My bad. Admins can edit if necessary.

Aint gonna be confused when we dunk on Bobby's boys tomorrow night!

[Rhody83]

URI didnt beat Seton hall at Mohegan Spooky! Its was at barclays wasnt it?

Damn, you are right. I confused it with the Cincinnati win at Mohegan. My bad. Admins can edit if necessary.

Aint gonna be confused when we dunk on Bobby's boys tomorrow night!

They also beat Oklahoma State at Mohegan.

[rhodyruckus]

Unfortunately I checked out the ASU board and they have it at -8; just "confirmed" at a semi-reputable looking online site. The third post in their game thread was looking ahead to the Villanova matchup but "First we have to get by Rhode Island tomorrow", then the fourth post asks is Lamar Odom playing.

With KenPom at 10 points the -8 seems about right, to shave a few points off because even KenPom must be shrugging his shoulders with all the uncertainty. And you can't put the spread too close because public money is going to err on the side of the Power 5 ranked team.

[theblueram]

Kick that ass RHODY!!!!!!!!

[section(105)]

Damn, you are right. I confused it with the Cincinnati win at Mohegan. My bad. Admins can edit if necessary.

Aint gonna be confused when we dunk on Bobby's boys tomorrow night!

They also beat Oklahoma State at Mohegan.

.......and the floor was painted in the WNBA markings, lanes etc, to accommodate the college game markings, tape was used......old friend Travis Ford on the bench for Ok State.....

[ace]