URI 75, Providence 68: Rams’ time finally comes

Hide captionSOUTH KINGSTOWN --- At long, long last, it’s time for the Keaney blue half of the state’s college basketball fandom to brag at will.

It had been almost eight calendar years since the University of Rhode Island tasted victory over Providence College, a drought that finally came to an end Saturday night at the Ryan Center.

The Rams turned this one into a street fight early, defending like a hungry pack of wolves to overcome an early deficit and hanging on down the stretch for a 75-68 win over the Friars.

URI wiped out an early seven-point deficit thanks to Providence’s profligacy with the ball in its hands. The Rams enjoyed a 19-3 advantage in points off turnovers through the opening…