Rhode Island vs Duquesne: 2022-23 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
After a long non-conference slate, the Rhode Island Rams open Atlantic 10 play at Duquesne this Saturday.
TV schedule: Saturday, December 31, 1:00 pm ET. ESPN Plus
Arena: UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania
After a challenging non-conference schedule, the Rhode Island Rams are looking to start fresh in conference play. Rhody enters Saturday’s contest at Duquesne, sitting at 4-8 and most recently coming off a COVID pause.
Coach Archie Miller stated that this break was essential because the program has dealt with a lot mentally.
Miller -- 'In general, as I look at this break, we needed a break mentally. We were dealing with a lot.'
— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) December 29, 2022
'We've had a really good bounce about us. I'm not as concerned about conditioning.' #URI
Rhode Island has had tough losses through this slate, including many decided within the final minutes; however, they have had a few statement wins in the early Archie Miller era.
While the Rams have progressed as a team and developed chemistry, they’ve dealt with injuries. Jalen Carey has missed six games this season due to hip and groin injuries, and Josaphat Bilau has missed time with a significant injury to his knee.
Coach Archie Miller said that the redshirt sophomore will have a procedure in the near future which could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
With Bilau’s timeline uncertain, the Rams will look for a third forward to contribute to the frontcourt alongside Alex Tchikou and Abdou Samb. We can expect freshman Rory Stewart to take on a bigger role and see an increase in minutes.
The Duquesne Dukes opened up conference play on the road Wednesday in a loss to Dayton. They enter this game 10-4 and will be looking to get themselves back in the win column.
Last time out, Jimmy Clark III led the team with 15 points and tied his career-high with eight rebounds. Tevin Brewer returned to the Dukes after missing the last three games; he contributed 11 points and four assists off the bench.
Duquesne has had a successful non-conference slate behind junior guard Dae Dae Grant. He ranks sixth in the conference in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game.
The last time both programs met was in the opening round of the 2022 Atlantic 10 Championship; Rhode Island was victorious 79-77 behind Ishmael Leggett’s 12 points and seven rebounds.
Next. Top 20 players in cbb this season. dark
While the Duquesne Dukes are the clear favorites to win this contest, it should be interesting to see how URI comes together after the break. Rhode Island will have to limit turning over the ball to keep this game close and competitive.