This Year's URI v. PC Game Is More Important Than Anyone Would Have Thought

This Year's URI v. PC Game Is More Important Than Anyone Would Have Thought

Next Saturday, the Providence College Friars head to the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island for the annual men's basketball rivalry game.

When the season began, the two programs appeared to be going in very different directions.

Providence College was stacked with 4 and 5-star recruits and top portal transfers.

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Most importantly, first-team Big East selection Bryce Hopkins was expected back from ACL surgery. He has yet to play this season. 

Popular perception was the Friars were loaded and the biggest challenge would be playing time for the depth of talent.

In Kingston, the Rams were entering the third season under Archie Miller. He was coming off two poor seasons, and the roster was turning over for the third time.

Now, a month into the season, perceptions and prognostications are far from reality.

 

Friar Reality

The Friars are 5-3 after, three poor performances in the Bahamas. Prior to the three Thanksgiving tournament losses, PC often looked disjointed in their first five games against a range of “cupcakes.”

At the beginning of the season, the Friars looked like a “work in progress” and after the trip to the Bahamas, it is apparent it is an even bigger work in progress.

It is clear that last year’s star and the 13th pick in the NBA draft, Devin Carter, was far more important than anyone thought. His ability to create fast-break baskets and late-in-the-shot clock 3-pointers made everyone else look much better.

In his second season, PC coach Kim English needs to put his mark on this Friars' squad.

 

New Look Rams

While the Friars are stumbling, the Rams are streaking.

There was little optimism going into the season in Kingston or for head coach Miller. In his first two seasons, he was a combined 21-42, and the Rams finished 14th and 10th, respectively, in a weak Atlantic 10.

Then, there was a glimmer of hope. In an exhibition game against powerhouse University of Connecticut at Mohegan Sun, the Rams battled the Huskies for the first half and trailed just 44-40 at the break.

While the second half was a return to normalcy and ended in a UConn runway, there was something different about this year's team. 

Now, a month into the season, the Rams are 7-0. They have no quality wins, and thus, the game against the Friars is a resume-maker.

 

Both Play Before the Rivalry Game

Between now and next Saturday, one or both team's streaks may end.

The Friars host a high-quality BYU team on Tuesday night. The Cougars come in 6-1.

But before that on Monday, the Rams host Yale, a team they edged 76-72 last season. Yale will enter the Ryan Center 4-4, but two of those losses were to Minnesota by 3, and Purdue by 8.

Regardless of the outcome of the two games, URI will be looking for a statement win, and the Friars are seeking a bust-out game that puts their season back on track.