2/5 | UMass | 2:00PM (YurView/ESPN+)

[spookydog]

University of Rhode Island vs University of Massachusetts
Ryan Center, Kingston, RI
Saturday, February 5, 2022
2:00PM

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

Previews:
UMass Fan Forum

We stink but UMass may stink even more. When these two teams squared off in Amherst 3 weeks ago, believe it not, Rhody looked like a solid squad that was poised to possibly do some damage in a down A10. Rhody played a complete game, one of the few on the season as the Rams looked good on both offense & defense in that game. Since then…well, not so much. Calling us a dumpster fire would be disrespectful to all the dumpster fires around the world. The “good” news about this game is that Minutemen’s defense has been so poor that playing this team may help Rhody’s guards get out of their shooting slump. Well, in theory this will happen. Another thing in Rhody’s favor for this game is that Noah Fernandes’ has been out with a concussion & missed the last 2 games. This game for Rhode Island will probably be their only chance of picking up a victory as they have 3 tough games after that. And one final note, God bless JV trying to get the fans pumped up on Saturday afternoon after how this team has played of late. Good luck! URI will probably be favored by about 5 & I foolishly think they win this…especially if Fernandes is still out. URI 69 – Umass 65. Go Rhody!!

Opponent
Record:
9-11, 2-6 in the A-10
8-7, 6-4 in the A-10

Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: 183 (119)
RPI: 173 (139)
KenPom: 187 (107)
BPI: 193 (108)
Sagarin: 166 (105)

Leaders:
Points – Noah Fernandes 16.0 (Jr., G)
Rebounds – Trent Buttrick 5.6 (Sr., F)
Assists – Noah Fernandes 5.2 (Jr., G) (2.3 TO per game)

Historical
Series: 68-91
H: 41-32, A: 27-54, N: 0-5
Most Recent Matchup: 1/15/21 81-68 W at UMass
Most Recent Win Streak: 1 – URI
Match-up Predictor: 81.4% Chance of URI Winning

[Jersey77]

Yeah, not sure of Fernandez status for the game.
But TJ Kelly who missed the last game with us will be playing, he is averaging about 12 pts.

Very little excitement currently surrounding this program, especially for this game.

[RIFan]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

[Jersey77]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

Why is this in the UMass thread?

[rambone 78]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

I think that's the way a lot of us feel.

It sucks, but hopefully it will be worth it soon.

[RIFan]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

Why is this in the UMass thread?

Because that's my feeling about the game...where would you like it?

[Jersey77]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

Why is this in the UMass thread?

Becuase that's my feeling about the game...where would you like it?

Okay fair enough, at first, I wasn't sure what you were getting at.

[PeteRI]

Why is this in the UMass thread?

Becuase that's my feeling about the game...where would you like it?

Okay fair enough, at first, I wasn't sure what you were getting at.

We suck and our coach must be fired at season's end. That should clear things up for you.

[PeteRI]

And God bless Spookydog for summoning up the energy and wit to write these entertaining previews of our Ryan Center Death March.

[NYGFan_Section208]

And God bless Spookydog for summoning up the energy and wit to write these entertaining previews of our Ryan Center Death March.

I was JUST thinking the exact same thing. It seems like sometimes writing those could be a great time...and at others...warrant hazard pay. Like now. Keep up the good work and the good fight spookydog.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

ZooMass by 3

I'm hoping to save us from embarrassment, again, and have the game cancelled due to the ice over

[Sweep The Leg]

ZooMass by 3

I'm hoping to save us from embarrassment, again, and have the game cancelled due to the ice over

UMass would use sled dogs to travel here for a chance to play us right now. You know they won't request to cancel.

[Shinze88]

This game is irrelevant on so many levels to both programs but the only intrigue I have is that both URI & UMass could be targeting the same coaches as replacements for next year. I think McCalls contract runs through 2023, but he clearly is not the answer at UMass so if they have funds for a buyout we could be looking at the same candidates.

[RIFan]

That’s the more important game…between AD’s.

[RI_Bred]

This game is irrelevant on so many levels to both programs but the only intrigue I have is that both URI & UMass could be targeting the same coaches as replacements for next year. I think McCalls contract runs through 2023, but he clearly is not the answer at UMass so if they have funds for a buyout we could be looking at the same candidates.

Maybe we could swap one for one?

[reef]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

That’s my feeling also , it is what it is but it’s for the best

[eli#10]

Who is going to guard Tres Mitchell? We should double team him on every tough he gets.

[Jersey77]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

That’s my feeling also, it is what it is but it’s for the best

Well, I just can't bring myself to ever root against the team.
I will be with them till the end.

Since the decision is out of my hands, I refuse to let myself get consumed by it.

[Rhody Sody]

I’m out on this game, not using my season tickets. Going ice fishing instead in 10 degree weather. That’s how bad this is….

[NYGFan_Section208]

I’m out on this game, not using my season tickets. Going ice fishing instead in 10 degree weather. That’s how bad this is….

Ice fishing in 10 degree weather > ice fishing in 50 degree weather

[rambone 78]

I went ice fishing the other day....caught 200 lbs. of ice...brought it home and my wife cooked it.....she drowned......

[reef]

I am feeling like a fan of a professional team that should tank to get a better draft pick. Wanting the team to win but knowing that for the long term it would be better if they lose.

That’s my feeling also, it is what it is but it’s for the best

Well, I just can't bring myself to ever root against the team.
I will be with them till the end.

Since the decision is out of my hands, I refuse to let myself get consumed by it.

I hear you 77 and I respect it even if I may disagree

[Jersey77]

That’s my feeling also, it is what it is but it’s for the best

Well, I just can't bring myself to ever root against the team.
I will be with them till the end.

Since the decision is out of my hands, I refuse to let myself get consumed by it.

I hear you 77 and I respect it even if I may disagree

Obviously, I am not pleased about things, but I won't root against our players.

Like I said once the season plays out, I trust Thorr's decision.

[Blue Man]

Well, I just can't bring myself to ever root against the team.
I will be with them till the end.

Since the decision is out of my hands, I refuse to let myself get consumed by it.

I hear you 77 and I respect it even if I may disagree

Obviously, I am not pleased about things, but I won't root against our players.

Like I said once the season plays out, I trust Thorr's decision.

Think of it as not rooting against the team.

You’re rooting for the program. To survive and get good again.

The writing is on the wall about the capabilities and ceiling of the current coach.

If Rhody wins games he will be back and we will continue to underachieve, post a weak SOS, get some wins, and stay in purgatory.

Think about this year and the “plan” with a dogshit OOC and a young team, what’s next years excuse? What tough opponents do we have lined up? What preseason tourneys?

Do you think everyone is going to stick around? I’d bet you lose the Mitchell’s, samb, and Berry at a minimum. Does that mean next year becomes a rebuild and we start the excuse train again?

We have to stop the cycle and the only chance is piling up losses the end of this year.

[ramster]

2 posts from the umass game day thread.

Big game today! Trying to avoid playing Wednesday in the A10 Tournament. The bottom 4 bye instead of trying for the Top 4 bye


Yikes. We're 20 hours away from our next game and no one is talking about it yet. But I'm not too surprised based on how this season's going. Anyway...

UM at Rhody tomorrow
Game #160 in the all-time series
ESPN+ has it, no real TV
2:00 PM start

Reports yesterday say Noah is available and will play, but one other guy who McCall could not name (presumably HIPPA) is out with COVID. Hopefully everyone else masks up and stays safe.

Rhody stumbled in their last one, at Fordham on Wednesday, 61-55
https://gorhody.com/news/2022/2/2/mens- ... rdham.aspx

UMass notes: https://umassathletics.com/news/2022/2/ ... sland.aspx
Rhody notes: https://gorhody.com/news/2022/2/4/mens- ... urday.aspx

Rhody is 3-5 and we're 2-6. As lame as it is, this one's actually kind of important in the race to avoid playing on Wednesday in the A-10 Tournament.
Top
capezona
Hall of Fame
Re: Game 21, 2021-22: at Rhode Island (2/5)
Quote
Post Fri Feb 04, 2022 6:13 pm

Naw, we're all too busy replacing McCall and figuring out Tre's future.

[Rhode_Island_Red]

Heard Cox is worried about some guy named Erving.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Heard Cox is worried about some guy named Erving.

Anytime you go up against Coach Cal, you gotta be ready.

[Jersey77]

I hear you 77 and I respect it even if I may disagree

Obviously, I am not pleased about things, but I won't root against our players.

Like I said once the season plays out, I trust Thorr's decision.

Think of it as not rooting against the team.

You’re rooting for the program. To survive and get good again.

The writing is on the wall about the capabilities and ceiling of the current coach.

If Rhody wins games he will be back and we will continue to underachieve, post a weak SOS, get some wins, and stay in purgatory.

Think about this year and the “plan” with a dogshit OOC and a young team, what’s next years excuse? What tough opponents do we have lined up? What preseason tourneys?

Do you think everyone is going to stick around? I’d bet you lose the Mitchell’s, samb, and Berry at a minimum. Does that mean next year becomes a rebuild and we start the excuse train again?

We have to stop the cycle and the only chance is piling up losses the end of this year.

I don't think Thorr will allow us to stay in purgatory.

Also, as I said before the season Thorr would need to see the program moving in a positive direction.
Currently, can't say that is happening, if anything going the other way.

At this point, Cox will need to move the needle now and maintain it, if he doesn't, he will seal his own fate.
Wins against Milw, Sacred Heart, AIU, a depleted Georgia State team, and the bottom feeders of the A10 isn't going to cut it, especially those terrible losses.

Again, based on our play and if we see another mass exit, including our core players, doubtful he will survive that either.

Thorr is very in-tune with what is going on, that is why I will trust his decision.

[ramster]

Interesting pregame write up for the UMASS game today

Carey and Thomas highlighted.

CAREY DELIVERS SEASON-HIGH IN POINTS
Guard Jalen Carey had a season-high 12 points off the bench in Wednesday's game at Fordham.
It matched his highest point total in two seasons with Rhode Island, as he also had 12 against South Florida last season.
Against Fordham, Carey was 5-11 from the field while also dishing out a season-high three assists.
Since the start of Atlantic 10 play, Carey is averaging 6.3 points off the bench while shooting .447 from the field, .500 from 3-point range and .769 at the free throw line.
He has made one 3-point shot in five consecutive games and in eight of his last 10 games, going 8-for-14 overall.
In his first 54 career games between Syracuse and URI, Carey had four 3-pointers (4-of-30).


THOMAS FINDS THE MARK FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Freshman point guard Sebastian Thomas broke out at Fordham Wednesday night, scoring a career-high nine points.
All of his points came on 3-point shots, as he was 3-for-4 from long range, all of which came in the second half.
Entering the game, Thomas had been 3-for-19 from the perimeter.
Thomas is second in the Atlantic 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.87-1), behind only Richmond's Jacob Gilyard (3.59-1).
Since the start of January, Thomas has 26 assists and just six turnovers in nine games.
For the season, Thomas has 43 assists with 15 turnovers.
Thomas is second on the team in assists trailing only starting guard Jeremy Sheppard (56).
Despite being eighth in total playing time, Thomas has a plus-minus of +3.60 per game, which ranks third on the team.


https://gorhody.com/news/2022/2/4/mens- ... urday.aspx

[Blue Man]

Obviously, I am not pleased about things, but I won't root against our players.

Like I said once the season plays out, I trust Thorr's decision.

Think of it as not rooting against the team.

You’re rooting for the program. To survive and get good again.

The writing is on the wall about the capabilities and ceiling of the current coach.

If Rhody wins games he will be back and we will continue to underachieve, post a weak SOS, get some wins, and stay in purgatory.

Think about this year and the “plan” with a dogshit OOC and a young team, what’s next years excuse? What tough opponents do we have lined up? What preseason tourneys?

Do you think everyone is going to stick around? I’d bet you lose the Mitchell’s, samb, and Berry at a minimum. Does that mean next year becomes a rebuild and we start the excuse train again?

We have to stop the cycle and the only chance is piling up losses the end of this year.

I don't think Thorr will allow us to stay in purgatory.

Also, as I said before the season Thorr would need to see the program moving in a positive direction.
Currently, can't say that is happening, if anything going the other way.

At this point, Cox will need to move the needle now and maintain it, if he doesn't, he will seal his own fate.
Wins against Milw, Sacred Heart, AIU, a depleted Georgia State team, and the bottom feeders of the A10 isn't going to cut it, especially those terrible losses.

Again, based on our play and if we see another mass exit, including our core players, doubtful he will survive that either.

Thorr is very in-tune with what is going on, that is why I will trust his decision.

Again. It’s not all up to Thorr. He doesn’t control what he’s given in the budget. He’ll need approvals and funding from the foundation and ultimately the president.

If Cox has a winning record, I would bet he will be back.

[section(105)]

I went ice fishing the other day....caught 200 lbs. of ice...brought it home and my wife cooked it.....she drowned......

…….and the down side of that trip and results was what ?……

[Jersey77]

Think of it as not rooting against the team.

You’re rooting for the program. To survive and get good again.

The writing is on the wall about the capabilities and ceiling of the current coach.

If Rhody wins games he will be back and we will continue to underachieve, post a weak SOS, get some wins, and stay in purgatory.

Think about this year and the “plan” with a dogshit OOC and a young team, what’s next years excuse? What tough opponents do we have lined up? What preseason tourneys?

Do you think everyone is going to stick around? I’d bet you lose the Mitchell’s, samb, and Berry at a minimum. Does that mean next year becomes a rebuild and we start the excuse train again?

We have to stop the cycle and the only chance is piling up losses the end of this year.

I don't think Thorr will allow us to stay in purgatory.

Also, as I said before the season Thorr would need to see the program moving in a positive direction.
Currently, can't say that is happening, if anything going the other way.

At this point, Cox will need to move the needle now and maintain it, if he doesn't, he will seal his own fate.
Wins against Milw, Sacred Heart, AIU, a depleted Georgia State team, and the bottom feeders of the A10 isn't going to cut it, especially those terrible losses.

Again, based on our play and if we see another mass exit, including our core players, doubtful he will survive that either.

Thorr is very in-tune with what is going on, that is why I will trust his decision.

Again. It’s not all up to Thorr. He doesn’t control what he’s given in the budget. He’ll need approvals and funding from the foundation and ultimately the president.

If Cox has a winning record, I would bet he will be back.

We know it is not totally up to Thorr, although his recommendation will be highly regarded.
Doubtful a new president will go against the wishes of one of the most respected AD's in the A10.

If he chooses to move on from Cox, the money will be there, regardless of how we finish.

If the finances aren't there, what difference does it make what our final record is.
This would be a moot point anyway because they would need substantial financial backing to attract any top candidates.
Plus, a guarantee for program enhancements which were discussed many times on this board.

If they decide to settle for just an average hire, then you are back to square one.

[Blue Man]

I don't think Thorr will allow us to stay in purgatory.

Also, as I said before the season Thorr would need to see the program moving in a positive direction.
Currently, can't say that is happening, if anything going the other way.

At this point, Cox will need to move the needle now and maintain it, if he doesn't, he will seal his own fate.
Wins against Milw, Sacred Heart, AIU, a depleted Georgia State team, and the bottom feeders of the A10 isn't going to cut it, especially those terrible losses.

Again, based on our play and if we see another mass exit, including our core players, doubtful he will survive that either.

Thorr is very in-tune with what is going on, that is why I will trust his decision.

Again. It’s not all up to Thorr. He doesn’t control what he’s given in the budget. He’ll need approvals and funding from the foundation and ultimately the president.

If Cox has a winning record, I would bet he will be back.

We know it is not totally up to Thorr, although his recommendation will be highly regarded.
Doubtful a new president will go against the wishes of one of the most respected AD's in the A10.

If he chooses to move on from Cox, the money will be there, regardless of how we finish.

If the finances aren't there, what difference does it make what our final record is.
This would be a moot point anyway because they would need substantial financial backing to attract any top candidates.
Plus, a guarantee for program enhancements which were discussed many times on this board.

If they decide to settle for just an average hire, then you are back to square one.

Funding for this program always comes available at the extremes.

Extremely good? Ryan Center. Hurley’s 11th hour extension.

Extremely bad? Buy outs.

In the middle? We keep it steady.

A winning record against garbage teams puts us in the middle.

[ramster]

I can see Blue Man outside the Doors today blocking Jersey77 from entering the Ryan Center

[RhowdyRam02]

I can see Blue Man outside the Doors today blocking Jersey77 from entering the Ryan Center

Shit, between this and the new logo now I want to go to the game!

[ramster]

I can see Blue Man outside the Doors today blocking Jersey77 from entering the Ryan Center

Shit, between this and the new logo now I want to go to the game!

NYGiants 208 would be there to make sure Blue Man and Jersey 77 keep their masks on during the wrestling to get in the door, he only lives a couple of miles away.

[Jersey77]

Again. It’s not all up to Thorr. He doesn’t control what he’s given in the budget. He’ll need approvals and funding from the foundation and ultimately the president.

If Cox has a winning record, I would bet he will be back.

We know it is not totally up to Thorr, although his recommendation will be highly regarded.
Doubtful a new president will go against the wishes of one of the most respected AD's in the A10.

If he chooses to move on from Cox, the money will be there, regardless of how we finish.

If the finances aren't there, what difference does it make what our final record is.
This would be a moot point anyway because they would need substantial financial backing to attract any top candidates.
Plus, a guarantee for program enhancements which were discussed many times on this board.

If they decide to settle for just an average hire, then you are back to square one.

Funding for this program always comes available at the extremes.

Extremely good? Ryan Center. Hurley’s 11th hour extension.

Extremely bad? Buy outs.

In the middle? We keep it steady.

A winning record against garbage teams puts us in the middle.

If they are willing to just settle at mediocre, what makes you think they will do what is necessary to attract a top candidate?
If mediocre is just okay with them, then this whole discussion is moot, and they wouldn't be willing to ante up anyway.

Thorr's recommendation will be play a major part into what happens.
I really doubt that a couple of extra meaningless wins here and there will make a difference in his mind.

[section(105)]

…….I have said before here…….if Cox stays I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..if Cox leaves I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..todays game could tell us a lot……

[ramster]

They should bring out those cardboard cut outs of people they used last season with no fans and put them in the empty seats today to make it look fuller for TV

[ramster]

…….I have said before here…….if Cox stays I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..if Cox leaves I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..todays game could tell us a lot……

Define “lot”

[bwerner10]

No way Cox stays even if money is an issue unless he wins the A-10, which is highly highly unlikely. The program has no positive momentum and we have underachieved every season. We don’t talk about how the 2nd season was a massive underachievement, and we were on the outside looking in.

[rambone 78]

The "bar" is too high, given the level this program is at.

It's really hard to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Either seriously increase funding, or mediocrity is our lot.

[ramster]

[Jersey77]

I can see Blue Man outside the Doors today blocking Jersey77 from entering the Ryan Center

Shit, between this and the new logo now I want to go to the game!

NYGiants 208 would be there to make sure Blue Man and Jersey 77 keep their masks on during the wrestling to get in the door, he only lives a couple of miles away.

That is funny, but unfortunately, I can't make the trip up to RI for the game.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Shit, between this and the new logo now I want to go to the game!

NYGiants 208 would be there to make sure Blue Man and Jersey 77 keep their masks on during the wrestling to get in the door, he only lives a couple of miles away.

That is funny, but unfortunately, I can't make the trip up to RI for the game.

And I could, but I'm not...just so as to avoid such skirmishes

[Blue Man]

I can see Blue Man outside the Doors today blocking Jersey77 from entering the Ryan Center

Shit, between this and the new logo now I want to go to the game!

NYGiants 208 would be there to make sure Blue Man and Jersey 77 keep their masks on during the wrestling to get in the door, he only lives a couple of miles away.

Sadly, I’d have to care enough to put in the effort. I don’t lol.

[eli#10]

Let's see we played 20 minutes vs Richmond and 20 minutes (one could say only 10 minutes) vs Fordham. Any chance we can play 35-40 minutes today?

[section(105)]

…….I have said before here…….if Cox stays I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..if Cox leaves I want Thorr to define what the “bar” is……..todays game could tell us a lot……

Define “lot”

…….more than a little……

[Backroads]

Well Carey is out injured today so Cox won’t have to worry about starting him/ giving him more minutes

[Jersey77]