Rhode Island Basketball: How can the Rams match up with Duke?

Rhode Island basketball needed overtime to take care of Oklahoma in the first round. How will they respond with a difficult matchup against Duke up next?

Rhode Island basketball’s first-round victory over Oklahoma was far from stress-free. Despite being the higher-seeded team, the Rams had to deal with Trae Young, one of the top players in college basketball, for 39 minutes of action. He finished with 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting but the Rams were able to prevail nevertheless.

Throughout the game, the experience of Rhode Island showed. Four different Rams scored in double figures while the team dished out 16 assists on their 30 made field goals. It was an off game for leading scorer Jared Terrell (13 points on 4-for-15) but the rest of the squad stepped up in his absence on the offensive end. Most notably, Fatts Russell (15 points) and Cyril Langevine (14 points, 10 rebounds) came off the bench to have huge games.

Even though it was not easy, the win just means that Rhode Island is still dancing. The championship hopes are still alive for Dan Hurley’s squad but there is a big challenge standing in their way. On Saturday, Rhode Island will take on the Duke Blue Devils for a chance at the Sweet 16. Duke is arguably the most talented team in the country and the Rams will have their hands full all night long.

In preparation for the game, here are some keys to potential victory for Rhode Island. (All statistics found via Sports-Reference and T-Rank.)