Rhode Island vs Providence: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
The annual Ocean State rivalry game between the Providence College Friars and the University of Rhode Island Rams is renewed after not being played last season.
TV Schedule: December 4th, 2:00 pm ET. CBS Sports Network
Arena: Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI
This year, the in-state rivalry game will return to Providence after canceling last season due to scheduling conflicts and COVID-19.
The last time these two teams faced each other was December 6th, 2019, at the Ryan Center. Rhode Island defeated Providence 75-61. The Friars came in as the favorites led by David Duke Jr., who is currently with the Brooklyn Nets. The Rams were led by star players Cyril Langevine and Fatts Russell, who combined for 41 points against Providence.
Both teams come into Saturday’s game with winning records and big non-conference wins under their belt this season. The Friars are 7-1 and have already upset No. 23 Wisconsin and recently defeated Texas Tech at home. The Rams are 6-2 and have taken down Boston College, Georgia State, and Harvard, among other teams, in their schedule this season.
Coach Ed Cooley is in his eleventh season at the helm for the Friars. They are led by senior Nate Watson, averaging 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shooting 64.7 percent from the floor. He leads a strong frontcourt along with North Florida transfer Noah Horchler.
The Friars have a talented backcourt led by Indiana transfer Aljami Durham. He has also been dominant for Providence and has taken a significant role with David Duke gone. Durham averages 14.6 points per game and shoots 38.7 percent from the floor this season.
The Rams are a guard-heavy team led by Jeremy Sheppard, Ish Leggett, and Ball State transfer Ish El-Amin. The last time the Rams had this many scorers would probably be the 2017 and 2018 NCAA Tournament teams with a backcourt consisting of Jeff Dowtin, Fatts Russell, EC Matthews, and Jarvis Garrett.
The Rhody frontcourt consisting of Antwan Walker, Makhi, and Makhel Mitchell can not go unnoticed. Makhel Mitchell is one of the nation’s blocked shots leaders with twenty-six on the season. He is averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and shooting 60.3 percent from the floor.
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We are in for what could be one of the biggest non-conference games of the year this weekend. Although Providence is favorited and probably the stronger team on paper, don’t sleep on Rhode Island. The Rams can come out with a lot of energy and win this game as long as they don’t get themselves into foul trouble and commit too many mistakes.