WATCH: Rhody fends off late comeback bid, tops UMass in final A-10 clash

In a game defined by head coach Archie Miller as “must win” at the halfway point of the Atlantic 10 season, Rhode Island men’s basketball did just enough to stall a resilient comeback bid and come away with a much-needed victory. 

In what was the final meeting between UMass and URI as longtime A-10 rivals in a series dating back more than a century, the Rams exploded out of the gates in the second half to grow its lead as high as 21 points.

Just when it seemed like the Rams were running away, Frank Martin’s men didn’t go down easy. Fighting all the way back to bring it within a single possession down the stretch, the Rams were able to hold off UMass and sink a set of crucial free throws to take an 88-82 victory. 

Four Rams finished in double-figures in the win: senior guards Sebastian Thomas (22) and Jaden House (19), senior forward David Green (18) and junior guard Jamarques Lawrence (13). After stumbling in the last two losses, Rhode Island finally found their stride on offense at the right time.

With the first half of the conference slate behind it, Rhode Island will have a bye-week to reset before it travels to Fordham on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+ and The Varsity Network.