New England rivalry set for final conference clash at the Ryan Center

Photo courtesy of URI Athletics

A pair of New England rivals will clash in the Ryan Center on Wednesday night – this time with a different feeling around the game itself.

As UMass starts to pack their bags for the Mid-American Conference, Rhode Island will host its regional counterpart on its home floor for the last time in Atlantic 10 play.

UMass currently is one of the hotter teams in the conference, winning their last three games, including a historic 120-118 triple-overtime triumph against Fordham on Jan. 15.

Rhode Island, on the other hand, has lost its last two games, its only multi-game streak of any sort in conference play, and are currently desperate for a rebound before dropping too far below .500.

The following are the keys to the game for Rhode Island and things to watch out for from UMass, as both sides try to establish themselves as contenders as the calendar turns to February.

Rhode Island Key Player: Jaden House

Due to the ramifications of injury trouble, senior guard Jaden House has found his way back to the starting lineup for Rhode Island, and in terms of scoring volume he has done decently well with his elevated role.

Granted, there have been speedbumps, including his seven-turnover game against VCU on Jan. 21. However, he has scored in double-digits the last three outings, and with his physical nature, he could be key in getting high quality looks earlier in the contest.

UMass Key Player: Rahsool Diggins

Senior guard Rahsool Diggins is no stranger to facing off with the Rams. The backcourt star for the minutemen has faced the Rams four times in his UMass career, and was successful in both matchups last season.

Diggins averaged 15 points per game over both matchups in 2023-24, and if he can have similar success this time around as well. In addition to his success against Rhode Island, he is also producing well this season, scoring in double-digits in the last nine games.

Rhode Island Key to the Game: Go Inside Early

In the past few weeks, the Rams have seemed to opt for a more exterior approach as opposed to the drive-to-the-rim strategy that served as their bread and butter earlier in the year. This could especially be seen in their latest loss to La Salle, where Rhode Island struggled from distance, going 7-28 from the perimeter.

Especially since UMass is a physical team, going inside early could be a way for the Rams to get points on the board quickly by getting to the line.

UMass Key to the Game: Be Physical

UMass plays like a Frank Martin team should – physical. That is their identity, it has been the past two years that Martin has led the Minutemen, and that should not change tonight. 

While their defense has been sub-par this season, allowing the second-most points in the conference per game (75.7), the physicality can help UMass out significantly. If the Minutemen can make interior baskets difficult for Rhode Island (without fouling of course), then Rhody will have to go back outside, where they have struggled as of late.

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Two teams trying to establish themselves as contenders in the A-10 face off in Kingston tonight. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. from the Ryan Center and can be streamed on ESPN+ with a radio broadcast available on the Varsity Network.