Takeaways from URI vs. Providence
After URI's big 75-68 win over their in-state rivals, the Providence Friars, here are some key takeaways.
1. Daron "Fatts" Russell is for real, as I have ALWAYS known. (I tried to tell everyone ages ago.) In the past two games at home, Russell has not shot less than 50% from the field and he has scored 20 points in both games. At this rate, Fatts has a legitimate opportunity to be one of the all-time greats in the history of the URI men's basketball program.
2. Cyril Langevine needs to get fully healthy and improve.
The player that was supposed to be URI's most reliable frontcourt presence has been nothing short of a disappointment, thus far. Eventually, Dan Hurley's four and five guard lineups will have no more utility in big games. Virginia already exposed the vulnerabilities of trying to play with a small lineup. Outside of the Providence game, Langevine has not shot the ball particularly bad but he has not stayed on the floor long enough (even when healthy). On the glass, his rebounding has decreased and rather than accumulating blocks, he's been fouling at an insanely fast rate.
3. E.C. Matthews needs to make sure that he does not ruin the team's current chemistry.
The Rhode Island Rams are meshing really well with one another right now. There is no mistake that the team currently has a RPI in the top 10 of college basketball and they are sitting on a respectable 5-2 overall record. Moreover, URI has already secured two top-50 wins over Seton Hall and Providence, without the services of Matthews. The return of #0 will easily add to the scoring punch of the team but he needs to understand that more capable hands have stepped up, in his absence.
4. Jarvis Garrett may have just found his footing on the 2017-2018 iteration of Rhode Island MBB.
#1 of Rhode Island looked a bit lost to start the season, playing with a new role. Clearly, Fatts Russell has deserved ample playing time and as a result, Garrett has missed out on playing more minutes. With that said, there will always be periods of time for Garrett to contribute. The senior point guard's 15 points on 6-8 FG versus Providence were crucial.
