1/28 | Dayton | 7:00PM (ESPN2)

[spookydog]

University of Rhode Island vs University of Dayton
UD Arena, Dayton, OH
Friday, January 28, 2022
7:00PM

Media
TV: ESPN2
Online: ESPN2
Radio: 101.5 FM (B101) or Tune In Radio App

Previews:
Dayton Fan Forum
Another Dayton Fan Forum
Blackburn Review

After yet another collapse, the Rams head out to the Midwest to take on the Dayton Flyers. As I wrote in the preview from the original game against Dayton that was postponed, after winning their opening game of the season, the Flyers rattled off 3 atrocious home losses in a row to UMass Lowell, Lipscomb, & Austin Peay; all of which they were double digit favorites. Since then, they have gotten 3 P5 victories, including a neutral site win over #4 Kansas. They also have 5 wins in conference, 3 of those by 18 or more points. While on the road, they blew out GW by 25, the same team URI lost to at home. Dayton has had a lot of roster turnover since these 2 teams faced each other last in the A10 tournament last season with only 1 starter from that game, R.J. Blakney, remains with the team. I am looking forward to well, none of this…but since I must bullshit my way through this preview, I will say it is freshman DaRon Holmes taking on one of the Mitchell twins. This should be a battle downlow. Makhel & Holmes have very similar stats, so I am intrigued to see how this matchup plays out. Somehow Dayton averages more turnovers per game than Rhody, so in theory we could hopefully get some easy baskets off turnovers. But then again, apparently, we are the only team that battles fatigue, so I don’t see it happening. At least Cox has an excuse of a flight to OH to cause our fatigue. But hey, go have fun out there. That’s all that matters. The good news about this game is very unlikely we build a 15-point lead to blow at the end of the game. Dayton 71 – URI 60. Go Rhody!!

Opponent
Record:
13-7, 5-2 in the A-10
14-10, 9-7 in the A-10

Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: 74 (116)
RPI: 102 (119)
KenPom: 74 (101)
BPI: 61 (106)
Sagarin: 65 (103)

Leaders:
Points – Daron Holmes II 11.6 (Fr., F)
Rebounds – Toumani Camara 6.5 (Soph., F)
Assists – Malachi Smith 4.8 (Fr., G) (2.3 TO per game)

Historical
Series: 18-23
H: 10-7, A: 7-11, N: 1-5
Most Recent Matchup: 3/4/21 84-72 L at A10 Tournament
Most Recent Win Streak: 1 – Dayton
Match-up Predictor: 21.4% Chance of URI Winning

[Jersey77]

I am still reeling from our last 3 games.

Dayton started off slow this season with all their young talent.
They have some marquee wins which we don't have.

The Dayton Arena maybe the toughest venue for an opposing team to play in the A10.

Based on our performance the last several games, I predict a double-digit loss.

[section(105)]

……..for me, I will be looking for effort from the players, to see if they are so deflated that they have mentally checked out…….will the coaches be able to get them up, ready to play……..maybe on the road is welcomed now…….pride in their own efforts…….I suppose win one ol ‘State U has probably had much of an impact…….rally behind the embattled coach……….

[Blue Man]

I guess I'm excited to find out if we just lose by 30 from the jump, or build up a lead, blow it, and then lose.

[RhodyRams916]

I honestly won't be mad if URI gets blown out by 20 points. More of a reason to fire Cox.

[steveystuds06]

Rhody will come out looking strong. We will lead by 6-8 at the half. We will keep that lead until about 9 minutes left in the game. Cox will then take out Antwan Walker and Jalen Carey...Or possibly Malik Martin. Whoever is playing the best will come out of the game.. Dayton will go on a 9-0 run. Cox will not call a timeout. Rhody will then go on a 6-0 run. Cox will call a timeout. We will take some forced jump shots with a mix of poor defense because our guys will be "fatigued"...One of the twins will get a tech for chipping or talking shit after a dunk. Dayton will end up winning by 8.

Same story, different day.

I miss DC/TJ Rams blaming the loss on everyone but Cox. It's crazy that such idiots who know nothing about basketball like Blueman and I had doubts about Cox, but I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

[reef]

Think we will lose 72-58

[Taylor Swift]

I did see where there’s the annual viewing party at George’s. I usually love going to this every year but certainly going to pass. Going to prep for the snow we are going to get and curl up on the couch and enjoy a relaxing Friday night.

[PeterRamTime]

Think we will lose 72-58

Watch us mount a comeback and win

[Billyboy78]

Think we will lose 72-58

So, we'll only be up by about 6 at the half?

[ramster]

I see this as a trap game

We will be looking forward to the next game at Fordham next Wednesday February 2. Can you imagine this board if we lose at Fordham

[Rhodymob05]

A Fordham loss would be white noise at this point.

[Taylor Swift]

I see this as a trap game

We will be looking forward to the next game at Fordham next Wednesday February 2. Can you imagine this board if we lose at Fordham

It has happened before lol

[reef]

Fordham not the worst team in the league anymore

Almost beat Davidson at home and played tough @ Dayton

[ramster]

I see this as a trap game

We will be looking forward to the next game at Fordham next Wednesday February 2. Can you imagine this board if we lose at Fordham

It has happened before lol

Fans are still not allowed at Fordham
https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2021/8 ... -2021.aspx

[PCFriars]

I see this as a trap game

We will be looking forward to the next game at Fordham next Wednesday February 2. Can you imagine this board if we lose at Fordham

It has happened before lol

Fans are still not allowed at Fordham
https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2021/8 ... -2021.aspx

Sucks for those 30 or so folks that would have made the trek.

[ramster]

It has happened before lol

Fans are still not allowed at Fordham
https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2021/8 ... -2021.aspx

Sucks for those 30 or so folks that would have made the trek.

Not true. URI gets a strong turnout at Fordham games. Plenty of URI Alumni and Fans in the NYC area.

[PCFriars]

That wasn’t a dig. Just a joke about Fordham’s complete lack of a fanbase

[rambone 78]

We will lose to Fordham...in excruciating fashion no doubt.

[NYGFan_Section208]

I see this as a trap game

We will be looking forward to the next game at Fordham next Wednesday February 2. Can you imagine this board if we lose at Fordham

It has happened before lol

Fans are still not allowed at Fordham
https://fordhamsports.com/sports/2021/8 ... -2021.aspx

Crazy as it sounds, that actually makes much more sense than a half-ass mask "requirement"....

[ramster]

That wasn’t a dig. Just a joke about Fordham’s complete lack of a fanbase

I know. I'd guess the URI game draws about as well as any for Fordham. BAR would be the resident expert I believe.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

sometimes getting off campus is what the Dr. ordered.

or sometimes not.

I did see where there’s the annual viewing party at George’s. I usually love going to this every year but certainly going to pass. Going to prep for the snow we are going to get and curl up on the couch and enjoy a relaxing Friday night.

you had me at George's.

I mean at minimum, you're getting a tremendous dinner and a good buzz.

[Taylor Swift]

sometimes getting off campus is what the Dr. ordered.

or sometimes not.

I did see where there’s the annual viewing party at George’s. I usually love going to this every year but certainly going to pass. Going to prep for the snow we are going to get and curl up on the couch and enjoy a relaxing Friday night.

you had me at George's.

I mean at minimum, you're getting a tremendous dinner and a good buzz.

The food there isn't that bad.

Tito's & Soda there < Tito's & Soda at home.

[Rhodymob05]

Think we will lose 72-58

Watch us mount a comeback and win

My heart wants a win, my brain wants a loss. This is awful.

[Jersey77]

Think we will lose 72-58

Watch us mount a comeback and win

My heart wants a win, my brain wants a loss. This is awful.

Easy for me, I always root and want us to win.

[Rhode_Island_Red]

sometimes getting off campus is what the Dr. ordered.

or sometimes not.

I did see where there’s the annual viewing party at George’s. I usually love going to this every year but certainly going to pass. Going to prep for the snow we are going to get and curl up on the couch and enjoy a relaxing Friday night.

you had me at George's.

I mean at minimum, you're getting a tremendous dinner and a good buzz.

The food there isn't that bad.

Tito's & Soda there < Tito's & Soda at home.

Champlin's has way better food. Chowder is all-world.

[section(105)]

sometimes getting off campus is what the Dr. ordered.

or sometimes not.




you had me at George's.

I mean at minimum, you're getting a tremendous dinner and a good buzz.

The food there isn't that bad.

Tito's & Soda there < Tito's & Soda at home.

Champlin's has way better food. Chowder is all-world.

………easy now, maybe too much clear…….or the west palm sun gotcha………

[Taylor Swift]

sometimes getting off campus is what the Dr. ordered.

or sometimes not.




you had me at George's.

I mean at minimum, you're getting a tremendous dinner and a good buzz.

The food there isn't that bad.

Tito's & Soda there < Tito's & Soda at home.

Champlin's has way better food. Chowder is all-world.

Yes, indeed! Those fine people don’t open again until April. Love the food there

[TrevlontRook3]

Not worried.

The boyz got it locked up mentally and Musk’in it to the moon from here

[PeteRI]

George's has been quite good the last half dozen times I've eaten there. Fresh seafood with some nice specials. I still remember the whole tautog I had last year. The staff there compete and have fun.

[Rhodymob05]

George’s upstairs bar is awesome, especially in the summer.

[ramster]

Top A10 Performers in Assist/Turnover Ratio

[KeaneyBluBallz]

George's has been quite good the last half dozen times I've eaten there. Fresh seafood with some nice specials. I still remember the whole tautog I had last year. The staff there compete and have fun.

I see what you did there

[ElmCityRhody]

Just have fun

[ramster]

THOMAS SECOND IN ASSIST-TURNOVER RATIO IN THE ATLANTIC 10
Freshman point guard Sebastian Thomas made his first career start in Tuesday's loss to Richmond.
The Providence, R.I. native had a career-high seven assists with just two turnovers in 38 minutes.
For the season, he now has 37 assists with 11 turnovers, giving him an assist-turnover ratio of 3.36-1.
He ranks second in the Atlantic 10 behind only Richmond's Jacob Gilyard (3.54-1).
Thomas is second on the team in assists with 37, trailing only guard Jeremy Sheppard (52).
In conference play, Thomas has 15 assists and just two turnovers in 95 minutes of play.
Despite being eighth in total playing time, Thomas has a plus-minus of +3.89 per game, which ranks fourth on the team behind Malik Martin (+6.94), Antwan Walker (+4.35) and Jeremy Sheppard (+4.18).

MAKHEL MITCHELL PILING UP POINTS IN A-10 PLAY
Center Makhel Mitchell has been Rhody's most consistent offensive player, scoring in double figures 11 times in 18 games, including all six Atlantic 10 contests.
He leads the team with 11.6 points per game, a figure that has jumped to 14.2 per game since conference play began.
Mitchell matched his career high of 20 points in the win at Massachusetts (Jan. 15).
He has scored 16 or more points five times this season.
Mitchell ranks fifth in the Atlantic 10 in field goal percentage (.589), a figure that has improved to .623 in league play.
His field goal percentage is up from .522 last season.




https://gorhody.com/news/2022/1/27/mens ... riday.aspx

[steveystuds06]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

[NYGFan_Section208]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Change the starting lineup!?!?! Are you crazy??? Let's go hide behind those chainsaws instead! (Distressed girl): Smart!

[Jersey77]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Yeah, we are capable of winning.
I don't think Cox will shake-up the starting line-up.
Not sure of Sheppard's status for this game.

After Dayton's dismal start to the season, Grant has this young team playing much better.
Their last loss at home was by 1 point to VCU (52-53) on 1/5.

Obviously, our staff and team need to figure out how to close out games.
Tonight, would be a good time to start.
It's hard for me to be optimistic at this time, but that can change.

[Taylor Swift]

George's has been quite good the last half dozen times I've eaten there. Fresh seafood with some nice specials. I still remember the whole tautog I had last year. The staff there compete and have fun.

Have fun maybe get a good tip.

[ramster]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Yeah, we are capable of winning. but doubtful Cox will shake-up the starting line-up.
Not sure of Sheppard's status for this game.

After Dayton's dismal start to the season, Grant has this young team playing much better.
Their last loss at home was by 1 point to VCU (52-53) on 1/5.

Obviously, our staff and team need to figure out how to close out games.
Tonight, would be a good time to start.
It's hard for me to be optimistic at this time, but that can change.

Frequent comments are we start fast, lose the lead and need to figure out how to finish.

Therefore, shouldn’t the line up that loses the lead and the line up that finishes be looked at for adjustments instead of the starters?

[Jersey77]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Yeah, we are capable of winning. but doubtful Cox will shake-up the starting line-up.
Not sure of Sheppard's status for this game.

After Dayton's dismal start to the season, Grant has this young team playing much better.
Their last loss at home was by 1 point to VCU (52-53) on 1/5.

Obviously, our staff and team need to figure out how to close out games.
Tonight, would be a good time to start.
It's hard for me to be optimistic at this time, but that can change.

Frequent comments are we start fast, lose the lead and need to figure out how to finish.

Therefore, shouldn’t the line up that loses the lead and the line up that finishes be looked at for adjustments instead of the starters?

Not sure, that is for the coaches to figure out.
I think it would make sense for them to finish the game with the players that happen to be playing best at that moment or who has the hot hand and most energy left on the floor.
If it comes down to foul shots at the end, guess who I don't want on the line.

[rhodylaw]

If we are fully healthy, I’m very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I’ve been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He’s earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn’t mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Walker has earned the start but not starting Makhi means that if Walker gets an early foul that you are stuck with Makhi and Makhel. Walker needs more second half minutes and end of game play.

[Rhodymob05]

My starters :
Thomas
Shepard
Carey
Walker
Makhel

Bench
Leggett
Martin
Makhi
El

[steveystuds06]

If we are fully healthy, I'm very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I've been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He's earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn't mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Walker has earned the start but not starting Makhi means that if Walker gets an early foul that you are stuck with Makhi and Makhel. Walker needs more second half minutes and end of game play.

That's not happening, though...We start and finish with Makhi and Makhel every game... Start Walker. Play Walker in crunch time. Foul trouble is something you risk with any player. You don't sit your best player because he may get some fouls. He will continue to see similar minutes in Cox's system if he keeps coming off the bench.

[adam914]

Why do I feel like we are going to pull out the win tonight?

[steveystuds06]

Why do I feel like we are going to pull out the win tonight?

That's the thing. This team can play good basketball under David Cox. The problem is we are very inconsistent. We will pull out some surprise wins. We won't be able to do that multiple times at the A10 tournament, but we can do it on a random game like tonight.

[Jersey77]

Why do I feel like we are going to pull out the win tonight?

That's the thing. This team can play good basketball under David Cox. The problem is we are very inconsistent. We will pull out some surprise wins. We won't be able to do that multiple times at the A10 tournament, but we can do it on a random game like tonight.

Tonight, would be the perfect opportunity for things to turn around, when almost everyone is expecting us to lose.

At this point I don't care who they start, just want us to win.

[rhodylaw]

If we are fully healthy, I'm very interested to see if Cox will have a new starting lineup. I've been wanting Walker starting for the entire season. He's earned it. Ish was more of a spark plug off the bench last season. I wouldn't mind Malik or Thomas starting over him. Even Carey…

The bottom line is Cox needs to shake things up. Dayton can play down to their competition, so we can win this game.

Walker has earned the start but not starting Makhi means that if Walker gets an early foul that you are stuck with Makhi and Makhel. Walker needs more second half minutes and end of game play.

That's not happening, though...We start and finish with Makhi and Makhel every game... Start Walker. Play Walker in crunch time. Foul trouble is something you risk with any player. You don't sit your best player because he may get some fouls. He will continue to see similar minutes in Cox's system if he keeps coming off the bench.

Sure, but the easier switch to make is end of game for a lot of reasons. I do not care that the twins start together, I care that they are finishing games together because Makhi is not at that level yet. I think he could be eventually, but Makhel and Antoine are way ahead of him in experience and consistency right now.

[steveystuds06]

Walker has earned the start but not starting Makhi means that if Walker gets an early foul that you are stuck with Makhi and Makhel. Walker needs more second half minutes and end of game play.

That's not happening, though...We start and finish with Makhi and Makhel every game... Start Walker. Play Walker in crunch time. Foul trouble is something you risk with any player. You don't sit your best player because he may get some fouls. He will continue to see similar minutes in Cox's system if he keeps coming off the bench.

Sure, but the easier switch to make is end of game for a lot of reasons. I do not care that the twins start together, I care that they are finishing games together because Makhi is not at that level yet. I think he could be eventually, but Makhel and Antoine are way ahead of him in experience and consistency right now.

How is it easier with the way he's been playing Walker?? If Cox keeps putting Walker in with 13-15 minutes left in the second half, he will not play him the rest of the game. He's going to take him out with 3-5 minutes left like he's been doing for a while.... So start Walker, let him rest in the middle of each half, and play him at the end.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Why do I feel like we are going to pull out the win tonight?

Sativa?