Rhode Island Basketball: 3 keys for 2020-21 matchup vs. Richmond

1. Get Fatts Going

URI was able to narrowly escape Saint Joseph’s on Sunday primarily thanks to Fatts Russell. The senior guard finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and a perfect 10-10 from the foul line.

But Russell has just seven points through the first 37 minutes of action against the Hawks. His late flourish was huge — obviously — but it’ll take more than a quick burst like that to down Richmond. Rhody is going to need their leading scorer contributing right away if they’re going to have a chance to pull the upset. And this season, that’s been easier said than done.

Russell is averaging 14.4 points per game on the year, but his shooting numbers (32.0 percent from the field, 19.6 percent from three) aren’t anywhere near what he’s used to. Yes, he’s struggling with a handful of injuries this season, but the Fatts towards the end of the St. Joe’s game proves he can still get it done.

Additionally, his 4.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game show that he can still make an impact even when he’s not scoring. Russell will need to hone in on his shot selection, his attack, and his ability to get to the free throw line for Rhode Island to be successful.

And he’ll have to do it against one of the better defensive point guards in the Atlantic 10 in Jacob Gilyard. The senior ranks in the top 15 nationally in steal percentage per KenPom, and he’s in opponents’ shirts even when he’s not picking their pockets. But when Fatts is ‘on’, nothing phases him. He certainly had it going at the end of URI’s last game… if he can bottle it and bring it to Richmond, Rhody will be in good shape.