PC Is a Big Favorite Over URI, But…

PC Is a Big Favorite Over URI, But…

It is Rhode Island's big rivalry weekend.

The University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team heads north to play Providence College on Saturday at 12 noon.

Last year in Kingston, the Friars, playing with Bryce Hopkins, gave up a late lead, and Rams’ Sebastian Thomas played hero for the Rams in a 69-63 win.

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2025 in Focus

This year, the Rams come in at 7-2 and are ranked 99th by KenPom. The Friars are 5-4 and ranked 71st in the country.

But PC is given a 72% chance of winning.

It is a free market system in college basketball, and it is believed the Rams spent about $2.5 million in NIL money and the Friars more than $8 million.

The biggest story is Kim English and Archie Miller. Both coaches are on the proverbial hot seat.

The Friars come into the game after a series of disappointing losses. English is the focus of growing criticism.

The Badger of Honor, a University of Wisconsin blog, blistered English, citing a collection of criticism from Providence fans.

The Badger of Honor wrote, “One thing that became clear as the game went on was just how poor the Providence defense was against Wisconsin. Not only did Wisconsin own a 28-point lead at one point in the second half, but the Badgers walloped the Friars in fast-break points, 32-14, and averaged 1.3 points per possession on Thursday. In addition, Wisconsin held a 44-32 edge in points in the paint."

Friars fans were none-too-pleased with what they saw in San Diego. 

 

Match Ups

Neither team is particularly strong in the front court. The Friars have the advantage with Oswin Erhunmwunse — he is averaging 7.1 ppg and 6.9 rebounds.

Both teams have depth and talent in the backcourt. The Friars are led by Jason Edwards who is averaging 19.2 ppg. And his assist-to-turnover ratio is 3-1.

The Rams' leading scorer is Jonah Hinton, who is leading the Rams, averaging 15.8 ppg. But he has a disturbing 1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio.

And the Rams’ Tyler Cochran, who is averaging 14.9 ppg, has been a defensive wrecking machine with 34 steals on the year.

The Friars are criticized for their poor defense, and the Rams have about a 1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio of 108 to 106.

 

Last Thoughts

This game may be most important to the coaches.

A Rams win in Providence would be a big boost to URI’s Miller, who is in the fourth year of a five-year contract.

And, for English, there are two critical home games to score wins — beat URI and defeat Georgetown and Ed Cooley.

Anything short is trouble.