With a big test coming Sunday, here’s how Rhode Island basketball handled Lafayette

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — The tune-ups are over.

Close that opening chapter in the book that is this University of Rhode Island men’s basketball season. Sunday will introduce some mettle.

The Rams did enough to control Lafayette on a Wednesday night that ultimately was never really all that close. URI pressed on the gas at the right times in the second half to score an 86-72 victory at the Ryan Center, with the Leopards overwhelmed at the start and never able to pull within one possession.

Sebastian Thomas, Jaden House and David Green all impressed as URI secured its first 4-0 start since the 2016-17 season. Now comes more difficulty – a Sunday afternoon visit from Charleston and a reunion of two coaches with Xavier roots. Archie Miller and Chris Mack will need no introduction prior to the 12 p.m. tip here.

More: Rhode Island basketball to host Providence on Dec. 7. Here’s the full nonconference slate.

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

Jaden House goes to the basket against a Lafayette defender on Wednesday night at the Ryan Center. URI won, 86-72.

“We found a way to generate points at the right time,” Miller said. “We generated free throws at the right time. We got enough stops.”

Thomas collected 23 points and nine assists against just two turnovers after a one-game absence due to a left knee injury. House came up with a couple key buckets down the stretch as part of his 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Green notched his second career double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, including a key stretch in the second half when Lafayette cut its deficit to five.

“Coach has been on me about rebounding and getting on the glass more,” Green said. “I made it a point to try to go out there and get some for my team.”

TJ Burger found the backdoor open on the right side for a layup to make it a 59-54 game with 11:36 left. The Leopards were off to a 9-for-14 start in the second half and had cut into what was a quick…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-test-coming-sunday-heres-124948964.html

Author : The Providence Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-21 12:49:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.