Ryan Center, Kingston, RI
Monday, February 14, 2021
9:00PM
Media
TV: CBSSN
Online: CBSSN
Radio: 101.5 FM (B101) or Tune In Radio App
Previews:
Dayton Fan Forum
Another Dayton Fan Forum
Blackburn Review
In theory this game is going to happen, so here is a preview. After missing out on their last 2 out of conference games due to COVID, the University of Rhode Island takes on the University of Dayton to tipoff conference play in the Atlantic 10. 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 digits favorites. Since then, they have gotten 3 P5 victories, including a neutral site win over #4 Kansas. 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. Much like URI, there is no one alpha dog leading this team in scoring. They have 4 players averaging between 9.6 - 10.4 per game & they have an additional 4 players averaging between 6.4 – 6.6 per game. Similarly, URI has 7 players averaging between 7.7 – 11.8 per game. Co-leading this team in scoring is Georgia transfer, Toumani Camara, who is averaging 10 points & almost 7 rebounds per contest. On the plus side, he is only shooting less than 17% from deep on 24 attempts. On the season, these 2 teams are close statistically wise with points for, points against, FG%, rebounds & assists all quite close. One glaring difference as we can all imagine is strength of schedule. Dayton is 85th while URI is 204th (out of 358 D1 schools) as of this writing. Look for both teams to start off a bit rusty as it will have been 9 days between games for Dayton & a whopping 17 for Rhody. Hopefully the Rams can pick off where they left off against Milwaukee. I have no idea what to make of this game. Look for a smaller crowd as the students are on break so JV has his work cut out for him getting some energy in the Ryan Center. I am guessing URI will be favored by a point or two being at home. Final score of this one will be 68-65. Hopefully URI is on the winning side but who the hell knows. Did I inspire confidence? Happy Holidays & Go Rhody!!
After a win against A10 leaders Davidson, the Rams have a home tilt against the Dayton Flyers. The last time these two teams played a few weeks ago, Daron Holmes had a big game downlow with 12 points, 6 rebounds & an impressive 6 blocks. URI played their best game of the season & it was long overdo. They were getting stops of the defensive end & were hitting their shots. They shot any astounding 83% from the line. Will it carry over into tonight's game...who the hell knows with this team. When on defense they will have to watch out for the Kob(e/y)s as they are the Flyers best 3 point shooters. The transfer from Georgia, Toumani Camara, has scored in double digits in 5 of his last 6 games. The final score of this one will be 65-61, i just am not sure if Rhody will be on the winning side of it. Go Rhody!!
Opponent
Record:
17-8, 9-3 in the A-10
14-10, 9-7 in the A-10
Rankings (URI):
NCAA NET: 59 (119)
RPI: 75 (126)
KenPom: 53 (114)
BPI: 44 (113)
Sagarin: 51 (110)
Barttovik: 38 (116)
Leaders:
Points – Daron Holmes II 11.5 (Fr., F)
Rebounds – Toumani Camara 6.4 (Soph., F)
Assists – Malachi Smith 5.1 (Fr., G) (2.3 TO per game)
Historical
Series: 18-24
H: 10-7, A: 7-12, N: 1-5
Most Recent Matchup: 1/28/22 83-51 L at Dayton
Most Recent Win Streak: 2 – Dayton
Match-up Predictor: 40.5% Chance of URI Winning