Rhode Island and La Salle set for Philly clash: A preview

Photo courtesy of URI athletics

In a battle between two teams coming off a recent loss with sub-par offensive production, La Salle hosts Rhode Island tomorrow in a matinee clash from the newly-renovated John Glaser Arena.

The Rams most recently fell in an ugly home showing against VCU, coughing up 27 turnovers in an ugly 81-57 loss to their mascot counterpart. The turnover mark was the highest in a single game for Rhode Island since 2005, and it will certainly look to possess the ball better this weekend.

The Explorers dropped both parts of their two-game road stretch, the most recent falter coming in a 64-52 loss to Saint Louis. With their lowest offensive production on the forefront of their memory, La Salle surely will look to right the ship with a better performance tomorrow.

The following are the keys to the game for Rhode Island and things to watch out for from La Salle, as both sides try to get back into the win column.

Rhode Island Key Player: Sebastian Thomas

Referred to by head coach Archie Miller as “one of the most important players on our team” in the preseason, senior guard Sebastian Thomas has lived up to the hype. The veteran leader of the Ram backcourt has put together a stellar offensive season so far, ranking third in the Atlantic 10 in points per game (19) and second in assists per game (5.8).

Last time out against VCU, Thomas snapped a seven-game streak with 20 points or more, finishing with just 19. He will surely be looking to re-start that streak, and against a team who has allowed the third-most points per game this season with 74.8, he will likely have a good chance to.

La Salle Key Player: Deuce Jones

A true freshman that has looked like a veteran as of late, Deuce Jones has shined in his new starting role for the Explorers. Starting every appearance since Dec. 18, 2024, Jones has gotten better and better throughout the season, averaging 15.7 points per game in his last four outings.

If he can keep up his production against Rhode Island, he will certainly help the Explorers’ cause in an upset attempt.

Rhode Island Key to the Game: Use Your Size

Last time out, La Salle utilized a small ball starting line up, with their largest player standing at 6’9” in Demetrius Lilley. Rhode Island, on the other hand, has some big players inside, including senior center Javonte Brown (7’0”). If the Rams can get the ball inside early and use mismatches in the paint, they could march out to a string together lead which would greatly help a team who plays their better basketball in the second half.

La Salle Key to the Game: Find the Right Shot

In their past two games, which have both ended up as losses, La Salle has shot the ball in an unremarkable fashion. Shooting just 33.8 percent from the floor in their latest loss to Saint Louis and 35.3 percent against UMass, they have not given themselves the best chance at victory.

If La Salle can move the ball well and open up space to get clear shots off, their chances of victory will increase.

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Two teams who struggled offensively last time out will try and fix their previous mistakes and get back on track tomorrow afternoon. Rhode Island and La Salle tip-off from Philadelphia at 2 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+, with a radio broadcast available on the Varsity Network.