In a stunning upset, the University of Rhode Island fell to La Salle University, 59-46, at John Glaser Arena. The 13-point margin of victory is all the more surprising given the significant disparity in NET rankings, with Rhode Island checking in at #122 and La Salle at #240. The first half was particularly one-sided, with La Salle taking a 39-25 lead into the break, a deficit that Rhode Island was unable to overcome.
The final score and half scores suggest that La Salle's strong start was the key to their victory, as they were able to maintain their lead despite being outscored by Rhode Island in the second half, 21-20. The implications of this upset are significant, particularly with regards to seed line projections, as Rhode Island's loss to a lower-ranked opponent could have a notable impact on their postseason prospects. As the season enters its final stretch, this result serves as a reminder that upsets can occur at any time, and that no team is immune to a loss, regardless of their ranking or standing.
The La Salle victory was fueled by the performances of its top players, particularly Rob Dockery and Ashton Walker. Dockery led the team with 19 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing his ability to dominate on the glass. Despite struggling with his field goal percentage, going 3-9, he effectively drew fouls and converted 13 of 16 free throw attempts. Walker, meanwhile, posted an efficient 18 points on 6-12 shooting, including 4-5 from beyond the arc, and added 10 rebounds to his stat line.
Ashton Walker's three-point shooting was a notable factor in La Salle's win, as he connected on 4 of 5 attempts from deep. Rob Dockery's free throw shooting also proved crucial, as he sank 13 of 16 attempts to help seal the victory. Jerome Brewer Jr. provided supplementary scoring with 7 points, though his overall impact was limited by his lone rebound and lack of assists. The collective efforts of these key players ultimately propelled La Salle to a 59-46 win over Rhode Island.
Myles Corey's 14-point performance was a bright spot for Rhode Island, but ultimately fell short of what was needed to secure a win. His eight rebounds were a team high, but his lack of assists limited the team's ability to create scoring opportunities. Corey also struggled with his outside shot, converting just one of his four three-point attempts. Despite his strong rebounding and defensive presence, Corey's all-around game was not enough to propel the Rams to victory.
Keeyan Itejere and Jonah Hinton struggled to find their rhythm on offense, combining for just 20 points on 14-25 shooting. Itejere's 11 points and eight rebounds were solid, but he was unable to make a significant impact on the game. Hinton, meanwhile, shot just 23% from the field, including a dismal 15% from three-point range. Both players were shut down by the La Salle defense, which limited them to low-percentage shots and made it difficult for them to get into a rhythm.
Nas Hart's outing stood out for its marked improvement from his season averages, particularly in rebounding, where he nearly doubled his typical haul. His ability to secure 11 boards was a significant factor in La Salle's effort on the glass, and his newfound aggressiveness in this area may signal a shift in his role within the team's offense. Conversely, Jaden Johnson's performance fell short of expectations, as his scoring and rebounding totals were significantly lower than usual. His 1 assist, though a season average, was an anomaly in a game where his teammates were otherwise supported by their offense, suggesting a potential slump in his playmaking abilities.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction of a 10.2-point Rhode Island victory proved to be wide of the mark, as La Salle ultimately claimed a 13-point win. This discrepancy can be attributed to several key factors that came to the forefront during the game. One major theme that contributed to La Salle's success was their ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Explorers' 41.7% OREB rate, significantly higher than their season average, allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit Rhode Island's scoring opportunities.
La Salle's hot shooting from beyond the arc also played a pivotal role in their victory. Their 37.5% 3PT% in the game, a marked improvement from their season average, proved to be a decisive factor. This surge in outside shooting allowed La Salle to stretch the Rhode Island defense and create space for their players to operate. Conversely, Rhode Island's struggles from three-point range, evident in their 11.8% 3PT% on the night, hindered their ability to mount a comeback and ultimately sealed their fate.
La Salle's victory, despite its modest overall record, significantly bolsters its NCAA Tournament resume, as it now boasts a Quad 3 win against a quality opponent. However, its NET ranking remains mediocre at #240, and its Quad 1 and Quad 2 win-loss records are unimpressive. Nevertheless, this win will likely secure La Salle a spot in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and potentially earn it a low seed in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) or a play-in game in the NCAA Tournament. Conversely, Rhode Island's loss drops its Quad 3 win-loss record to 2-7, a stark contrast to its strong Quad 1 performance, and raises concerns about its NCAA Tournament seeding, potentially relegating it to a play-in game or an early-round exit. The Explorers' improbable win over the Rams may have secured La Salle's NIT bid, while it may have derailed Rhode Island's aspirations for a higher seed.