Here’s how Rhode Island basketball finished off its nonconference schedule in style

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SOUTH KINGSTOWN — The warning signs were there through Central Connecticut State’s first nine games, and the University of Rhode Island men were wise to heed them.

A scare at Providence on the season’s opening night was followed by road wins over Atlantic 10 rivals Saint Joseph’s and Massachusetts. The Blue Devils also took care of UMass Lowell, one of the preseason favorites in the America East.

The Rams required the proper approach and attention to detail Sunday afternoon. They found both in a 77-69 victory at the Ryan Center, breaking away midway through the second half.

More: Rhode Island basketball turns in best performance of season — against best team so far

URI’s Jaden House goes to the hoop against a Central Connecticut defender on Sunday at the Ryan Center.

“We beat a good team,” URI coach Archie Miller said. “I’m happy for our group that we were able to close out the nonconference portion at home.”

URI overcame a cold start from the field to lead at halftime and connected on seven of its first eight shots out of the break. That helped the Rams build a lead that eventually swelled to 69-56 when Jamarques Lawrence drilled a 3-pointer with 3:02 left. Central Connecticut State created a couple sticky spots down the stretch, but nothing after that deep jumper truly threatened the final result.

“Just back to the basics,” Lawrence said. “That’s it.”

URI was coming off its first loss of the season, a bitter double-overtime defeat at state rival Brown. The Rams were also without point guard Sebastian Thomas (foot), who suffered what’s believed to be a minor injury in the 84-80 defeat against the Bears. Lawrence was among those picking up the slack next time out, totaling 16 points and six assists while playing all 40 minutes.

“Our team had to look at where we were heading offensively,” Miller said. “The Brown game was really poorly played in terms of our defense to offense and our floor game.”

Rhode Island’s David Fuchs goes up for a shot on…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-rhode-island-basketball-finished-213036866.html

Author : The Providence Journal

Publish date : 2024-12-15 21:30:00

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