Rhode Island Basketball: Fatts Russell record night leads Rams over Dayton

In a night where Fatts Russell, Jeremy Sheppard, and Umberto Brusadin were honored as seniors, Rhode Island Basketball came together to come back from a four-game losing streak. This was a special night specifically for senior guard Russell who has been battling injuries all season but, has been a leader on this team throughout.

The Rams battled back in forth with the Flyers in the empty Ryan Center to force a double-overtime win. All five of the Rams’ starters were in double-figures and played extremely well against a talented Flyer team.

Forwards Makhel Mitchell and Antwan Walker recorded double-doubles. Mitchell recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds. While Walker posted 10 points and 10 rebounds. The frontcourt has progressively improved game after game.

The other players in double-figures were guards Jeremy Sheppard and the true freshman Ishmael Leggett. Sheppard had 17 points and Leggett added 18 to the Rhody lead.

The Dayton Flyers controlled the first half of the game. This was not an easy win for Rhode Island as, star Jalen Crutcher recorded 22 points, Ibi Watson with 16, and the true freshman Zimi Nwokeji with a career-high 29.

The night belongs to Russell as he ends his storybook career at Rhode Island. Russell led the team with 20 points and broke the all-time steals record in program history.

“I just want them to know that through the pain, through everything I’m still coming out here and putting on this jersey, wearing Rhode Island. Going out and fighting for this program. For my team. For Coach Cox. Every given night,” Fatts Russell said in his post-game interview when asked about what he wants people to remember most about him.

All-in-all this was Russell’s night as he kissed the Ryan Center halfcourt logo at the buzzer and says farewell to the homecourt that he’s known for the last four years.