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Rhode Island vs Providence: 2022-23 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Adam Bernstein

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - NOVEMBER 20: Bryce Hopkins #23 of the Providence Friars takes the open shot against the Saint Louis Billikens during the second half of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament consolation game at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 20, 2022 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Billikens defeated the Friars 76-73. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - NOVEMBER 20: Bryce Hopkins #23 of the Providence Friars takes the open shot against the Saint Louis Billikens during the second half of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament consolation game at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 20, 2022 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Billikens defeated the Friars 76-73. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) /
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The battle for bragging rights in the Ocean State returns this Saturday as the Rhode Island Rams host the Providence College Friars.

TV Schedule: December 3rd, 5:05 pm ET. ESPNU

Arena: Thomas M. Ryan Center in Kingston, RI

The annual Ocean State rivalry game between the Friars and Rams returns to Kingston on Saturday for the first time since 2019. This will mark the 134th meeting between both programs, with Providence leading the series over Rhode Island 75-58.

While Coach Ed Cooley’s Friars stand out as the more dominant team thus far, the Rams will rely on their home-court advantage to succeed against Providence. Rhode Island is 6-3 at the Ryan Center against the Friars since the arena opened in 2002.

The last time both teams met was December 4th, 2021, Providence defeated the Rams on their home court 66-52. Friars forward Ed Croswell posted 13 points and 15 rebounds in the victory.

Rhode Island enters this game at 2-5 after coming up short against the Boston College Eagles, 53-49, last Sunday in Chestnut Hill.

The Rhode Island Rams and first-year head coach Archie Miller are rebuilding this season with several newcomers in Kingston. Three current URI players, Ishmael Leggett, Malik Martin, and Jalen Carey, have played against Providence.

Although their record is not necessarily attractive, Rhode Island has progressed since their season opener against Quinnipiac. The Rams owe sophomore guard Ishmael Leggett credit for their recent progress. The Washington, D.C. native is averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and shooting 43.2 percent.

“Your ace has to show up — Ish is carrying a heavy workload for us,” Coach Archie Miller said when meeting with the media Thursday afternoon.

The Friars enter this game at 5-3 and are coming off a loss to TCU on Wednesday night. Although they currently sit with a winning record, Providence has struggled to maintain a consistent offensive balance. They are also lacking chemistry on the defensive end as of late.

While the Friars have struggled collectively over the last few games, Bryce Hopkins has been a bright spot for head coach Ed Cooley. The Kentucky transfer is averaging 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and shooting 47 percent.

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We can expect the reigning Big East regular season champions to win this game; however, they have been playing with many new pieces that were not on their roster last season. I believe the Rams will keep it a close and competitive game which may allow the outcome to be determined by the final few possessions.

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