Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

University of Rhode Island

Men's Basketball

Rhode Island Hosts Vermont on Saturday Afternoon

 

Watch Live: OSN (Cox ch. 5/1005 HD) - Mike Mancuso / Chris DiSano

Listen Live - WHJJ 920 AM; The Wolf 102.3 FM - Steve McDonald / Don Kaull
The Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Rams Radio Network

Internet: iHeart.com (audio)

Gamenotes: Rhode Island/Vermont (pdf)

Buy Tickets:  ExperienceRhody.com (online) / Ryan Center box office (401) 874-RAMS

Follow the Rams on Twitter @RhodyMBB

TODAY'S GAME - VERMONT

  • Today marks the 48th time that Rhode Island and Vermont meet on the hardwood.
  • Rhode Island holds a 40-7 advantage in the all-time series.
  • The Catamounts are the Rams' 15th most common opponent, with the all-time series dating back to the 1949-50 season.
  • The two teams faced each other virtually every season between 1949-76.
  • Rhody captured the last meeting against UVM - 94-56 - on Dec. 30, 2003 at the Thomas M. Ryan Center.

RHODE ISLAND VS. THE AMERICA EAST

  • Since the conference was formed in 1995, Rhode Island is 25-9 against teams from the America East.
  • Five of Rhody's top 20 most common opponents - New Hampshire, Maine, Northeastern, Vermont, Boston University - are currently or were members of the America East.
  • The Rams were 0-2 against America East opponents last year (Boston University, Maine).

TODAY'S RHODE ISLAND BASKETBALL FACT(S) YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

  • Today's Theme:  Jordan Hare and shotblocking/rebounding
  • He ranks first in the Atlantic 10 and 12th overall nationally in blocks (3.0 bpg) -- games as of Nov. 30
  • Hare also ranks as the third-best shot blocker among all freshmen nationally.
  • The 6-10 newcomer is averaging 19.6 minutes of play per game - which translates to a block every 6:30.
  • He blocked a career-high seven shots against Loyola (Md.) and followed that up with six swats against George Mason.
  • The Saginaw, Mich. native's seven blocked shots is also third-most by a freshman in 2012-13 game.
  • Hare's seven blocks were the most by a Rhody player since Dec. 13, 1984 (7, Chris Scotti vs. Bryant).
  • He also had one of the top rebounding performances this season by a freshman, with 16 against Loyola (Md.).
  • The 16 rebounds is tied for the second-highest single-game total by a freshman this year.
  • He is one of just two players to have a 16 rebound/7 blocked shot performance this season.

EXTRA BASKETBALL

  • Rhody has played in two overtime games this season - Loyola (Md.) on Nov. 23 and a double OT win at Auburn (Nov. 25).
  • Last year, Rhode Island played in five OT games (six total OT periods) - the most since the 1985-86 campaign.  
  • That year, URI played in six overtime games (seven total OT periods).
  • Over the last five seasons, the Rams have played in 15 overtime games and are 7-8 in those contests.

X MARKS THE SPOT - SCORES CAREER-HIGH 33 AT AUBURN

  • Xavier Munford poured in a career-high 33 points at Auburn on Nov. 25, including a buzzer-beating, game-tying 27-footer which forced the second overtime period.
  • It was the first 30-point performance by a Rhode Island player since Jamal Wilson went for 38 against George Mason on Nov. 9, 2011 - the 2011-12 season opener.
  • Munford's eight 3-pointers were the most in a single-game since March 12, 2009, when Jimmy Baron knocked down eight triples against Duquesne.
  • Additionally, Munford's eight treys tied him for the second-highest single-game 3-point total in school history, along with Baron (three times), Tyson Wheeler, Cuttino Mobley, and current Rhody assistant Preston Murphy.
  • He also added five rebounds, two steals and an assist in 44 minutes of play in the double overtime victory.
  • Munford ranks second in the Atlantic 10 in scoring (18.0 points per game).

TURN AROUND ON THE TURNOVER COUNT

  • Through their first seven games, the Rams are averaging just 10.4 turnovers per contest - tied for 16th nationally.
  • A season ago, Rhode Island averaged 14.5 turnovers per game, which ranked 247th nationally.
  • The Rams registered a season-low six turnovers last time out against George Mason.
  • That was the lowest TO mark since Rhody committed a program record-low two turns against Nevada (March 22, 2010).
  • Rhody committed a season-high 13 turnovers vs. Loyola (Md.).
  • Last season, Rhode Island had just eight games with 11 or fewer turnovers.

IMPROVED DEFENSIVE EFFORT IN 2012-13

  • A major point of emphasis for head coach Dan Hurley is improving Rhody's defensive effort from last season.
  • Last season, Rhody was one of the worst defensive teams in the country, ranking 321st out of 339 in scoring defense (75.5 points/game) and 324th in FG% defense (47.5%).
  • In 2012-13, the Rams are allowing 11.2 fewer points per game and have lowered their defensive FG% to 41.5%.
  • Through seven games this season, Rhode Island has allowed 70 or more points once, which came in the double-overtime win at Auburn (72 points allowed).
  • Last year, Rhody gave up 70 or more points 23 times in 31 games and allowed its opponents to score 80+ points 11 times, 90+ three times, and 100 once.
Print Friendly Version