Reacting to URI MBB's 2017-2018 Atlantic 10 Schedule
Assuming that URI does not completely underestimate their opponents, the first three games should all be easy wins. The road game at Saint Louis is a huge trap game, given all of the new talent that Travis Ford will have to work with this season. Right after the trip to Saint Louis, the Rams will have their first rodeo with (overhyped) Saint Bonaventure, a team that some A10 MBB fans have predicted to finish second in the conference. Next, there is another stretch of five simple wins before URI travels to VCU, as long as they execute their gameplan against the rebuilding teams (UMASS, Dayton, Fordham, and Duquesne).
Before URI's "bye", in a pivotal game on the road, the Rams from Rhode Island will battle the Rams from Virginia in a rematch of the 2017 Atlantic 10 championship game. URI had VCU's number last season and even on the road, I do not expect that to change this season. After the road game at the Siegel Center, two more easy wins are lined up against the middling Davidson Wildcats and Richmond Spiders.
Moving into the final five games in Atlantic 10 play, Rhode Island will have arguably the hardest game of their conference play when they travel to Olean, NY to play Saint Bonaventure in their gym. Next, games on the road at LaSalle and at home versus Dayton should be a breeze. Furthermore, Saint Joe's will be the last Atlantic 10 team to come to the Ryan Center in 2018 and I do not buy into the idea that the Hawks could upset URI, unless Charlie Brown drops 40-50 points. Finally, Rhody MBB will end their conference schedule on the road in Belk Arena to fend off the Davidson Wildcats and the result should be identical to last season's.
URI is still the favorite to dominate the Atlantic 10 and their schedule does not change that. I will not fully get into the topic on this exact article but there should be no reason why URI cannot go 18-0 in conference play during this season. The Atlantic 10 looks anything but scary to start off the 2017-2018 season but only time will tell.
