University of Rhode Island vs University of Massachusetts
Ryan Center, Kingston, RI
Thursday, February 16, 2023
6:00PM
Ryan Center, Kingston, RI
Thursday, February 16, 2023
6:00PM
Media
TV: YurView
Online: ESPN +
App: Varsity Network
Previews
UMass Fan Forum
With such a big game happening at the Ryan Center tonight, I thought it deserved it’s own thread. The UNDEFEATED FIRST PLACE Rhody team takes on their biggest rival, UMass. The Minutewomen are right on the heals of the Rams with a 11-1 conference record, with their only loss coming to Rhody at Amherst. The Minutewomen are lead by forward Sam Breen. This 6th year senior is averaging a double-double this season with 17.6 points & 10.1 rebounds per game. That puts her at 54th in nation in scoring & 23rd in rebounding. She is one of only 24 women in the country averaging a double-double this season. She has 10 games this season where she scored over 20. Destiney Philoxy & Ber’Nyah Mayo are their primary ball handlers & each of then are scoring in double figures with over 4 assists per game. Philoxy is an impressive player & enjoyable to watch. Rhody does have the height advantage downlow, especially when Tenin Magassa is in.
With Rhody graduating their starting 5 from last season, Maye Toure has stepped up immensely. She went from playing sparingly last season to going for 14 & 9 this year. I guess you could say she has been a Toure de Force downlow. Sophie Phillips has also stepped up, getting a much bigger role this year. She got extra reps when Dolly Cairns went down for a few games as well. To fill in the other roster holes, Coach Reiss pilfered the other A10 schools when she brought in transfers Madison Hattix-Covington from VCU, Emma Squires from Richmond, & Tenin Magassa from Dayton. Throw in Sayawni Lassiter from Rutgers & that is your core lineup along with returning sharpshooter Dolly Cairns.
As for the game, both teams are putting long winning streaks on the line. Rhody comes in with a 12 game win streak while UMass has a 10 game win streak. Being at home, I am going to give the edge to Rhody. My prediction is URI 70 – UMass 67. See you at the Ryan Center tonight & Go Rhody!!
Opponent
Record:
21-4, 11-1 in the A10
26-7, 11-4 in the A10 (Last Season)
Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: 63 (61)
RPI: 58 (44)
Leaders:
Points – Sam Breen 17.6 (Sr., F)
Rebounds – Sam Breen 10.1 (Sr. F)
Assists – Destiney Philoxy 4.8 (Sr., G) (3.8 TO per game)
URI Leaders:
Points – Maye Toure 14.0 (Jr., F)
Rebounds – Maye Toure 8.8 (Jr. F)
Assists – Sayawni Lassiter 5.0 (Sr., G) (2.4 TO per game)
Historical
Series: 41-49
H: 19-22, A: 20-25, N: 1-2
Most Recent Matchup: 1/4/23 75-68 W at UMass
Most Recent Win Streak: 4 – URI
