How Likely Is It That Rhody MBB Loses in Conference Play This Season?
Before non-conference play was fully over, I predicted that URI would go undefeated in conference play because the rest of the Atlantic 10 looked atrocious in their non-conference contests. While sitting at 9-0 in the Atlantic 10 standings, the Rams look like they can barely be touched by any opposition in their conference.
According to the extremely reliable Ken Pomeroy college basketball ratings, Rhody is projected to ultimately go undefeated in conference play. The Rams' toughest projected matchups are at Saint Bonaventure (55% probability of winning) and at Davidson (54% probability of winning), as of January 29, 2018. By and large, I agree with road games in Olean, NY and Davidson, NC being the two hardest regular season games remaining. With that said, the Bonnies are still looking for answers since Atlantic 10 play has commenced. Additionally, Davidson is prone to having defensive lapses throughout any game and they are not a great rebounding team.
At the absolute worst, I could see Rhody finishing 17-1 in conference play, with their one loss coming on the road to VCU, St. Bonaventure, or Davidson. If they lose at VCU or St. Bonaventure, it would probably only be because they underestimated the home team. If they lose at Davidson, the likely cause would be Davidson's offense picking apart the Rams' defense. Bob McKillop is still a mastermind when it comes to executing offense in A-10 play.
For obvious reasons, I hope and expect Rhody MBB to finish 18-0 in conference play before they go win another Atlantic 10 tournament!
