Here’s how Rhode Island basketball overcame its slow start against Div. II Franklin Pierce

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — With few Division I opponents answering the call and the possibility of a 12-day layoff looming, the University of Rhode Island men pivoted to the Division II ranks for a Tuesday night matchup.

Franklin Pierce was annoying for a stretch thanks to its helter-skelter defense and 3-point shooting. The Rams weren’t all that happy with the opening 20 minutes before finally stepping on the gas just enough.

The resulting 105-73 triumph set a couple Ryan Center records that should be taken with a grain of salt. URI wasn’t likely to pound many equals playing like this, but the end result was the desired one. The Rams are off to a 3-0 start, rested point guard Sebastian Thomas (left knee) after an injury last time out and found some offensive rhythm for a couple key players going forward.

“We won,” URI coach Archie Miller said. “We can get back to work here. Moving forward we won’t be able to get away with much more, I guess, of the lackluster effort.”

More: Rhode Island basketball cruises in opener. Here’s why the Rams look better this season

More: Rhode Island basketball rallies in the second half to beat Holy Cross; who led the way

Jamarques Lawrence looks to push the ball as Frankin Pierce’s Ugo Nwachukwu defends in Tuesday’s game at Ryan Center. 11/12/24

Jaden House led six players in double figures with 21 points off the bench. Jamarques Lawrence broke out after a couple underwhelming games, hitting for 18 points and posting a perfect shooting line – 4-for-4 from the field, 3-for-3 from 3-point range, 7-for-7 at the foul line. David Fuchs and Tyonne Farrell each racked up a double-double as URI gradually pulled away.

“I’m happy we came out unscathed,” Miller said. “Very disappointed in our team’s start and our approach defensively. It’s a tricky thing when you have the opponent without the brand name.”

Miller said the Rams were looking to fill this gap between Friday night’s 91-77 win over Holy Cross and a Nov. 20 meeting with…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-rhode-island-basketball-overcame-103914175.html

Author : The Providence Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-13 10:39:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.