In a shocking turn of events, Rhode Island traveled to John M. Belk Arena and handed Davidson a resounding 25-point defeat, winning 70-45. This upset victory is a significant statement for the Rams, as they took down a team ranked just one spot above them in the net rankings. The 25-point margin is a reflection of Rhode Island's dominance, as they controlled the game from start to finish.
The first half was a disaster for Davidson, as Rhode Island came out firing on all cylinders. The Rams built a 16-point lead by halftime, with the score reading 39-23 in their favor. Keeyan Itejere was unstoppable, scoring 18 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to lead the charge. His performance was complemented by Jonah Hinton's 14 points and Alex Crawford's 11 points and 8 rebounds. On the other side, Josh Scovens was the lone bright spot for Davidson, scoring 10 points in a losing effort.
The second half was more of the same, as Rhode Island continued to pull away from Davidson. The Wildcats struggled to find any rhythm on offense, scoring just 22 points in the final 20 minutes. Ian Platteeuw and Parker Friedrichsen added 8 points each for Davidson, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. Rhode Island's defense was stifling, holding Davidson to just 45 points on the night.
This upset victory is a massive boost to Rhode Island's resume, as they picked up a Quadrant 2 win on the road. For Davidson, this loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which could have real consequences for their tournament chances. The Wildcats, ranked 124 in the net rankings, must regroup and refocus after this disappointing performance.
With no pre-game prediction available, this result is a major surprise. Rhode Island, ranked 125 in the net rankings, proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their victory over Davidson will certainly turn heads. As the season heats up, this win will be a crucial addition to Rhode Island's tournament resume. The Rams want to build on this momentum, while Davidson must bounce back from this tough loss. For now, Rhode Island's upset victory will be remembered as one of the most significant surprises of the season, and it will have a lasting impact on the tournament landscape.