The Rams have been the pre and early season darlings of the Ocean State. Dan Hurley’s club is fully healthy after having lost star guard EC Matthews for all of last season and defensive stalwart Hassan Martin in late February, and they already have a victory over a top 25 team (Cincinnati) under their belt.
Rhode Island’s respect reaches beyond state borders. They are currently ranked 21st in the country by the AP voters (a number that should dip, however, after a 65-62 loss at Valparaiso on Tuesday) and are seen as a top contender in the Atlantic 10.