Takeaways from URI at La Salle
After URI escaped Tom Gola Arena with a 95-93 overtime victory, here are some rather angry takeaways from the game.
1. Was the game plan to allow B.J. Johnson to single-handedly dominate the game?
First of all, B.J. Johnson had 29 points and 23 rebounds BY HIMSELF. Let that settle in, folks. Johnson had two less points than the combination of Jared Terrell, E.C. Matthews, Andre Berry, Jarvis Garrett, and Nicola Akele. In other words, La Salle's #20 scored two less points in the entire game than five of the nine players that Dan Hurley used. Next, La Salle's superstar had seven rebounds less than the number of total rebounds that URI had AS A TEAM. Moreover, URI's entire starting lineup grabbed four less rebounds than Johnson. Clearly, what URI allowed B.J. Johnson to do against them is beyond unacceptable.
2. Coming back from a double-digit deficit against the likes of La Salle is almost easy. Coming back from a double-digit deficit against opponents in the NCAA tournament will be extremely difficult.
URI rallying back from a 30-18 first half deficit at the 7:12 mark was expected. Moving forward, the Rams have to know that they cannot expect to rally back like they did tonight against superior competition.
3. URI still has difficulties closing out the game.
The game was sent into overtime because of an offensive rebound and quick score by La Salle's Tony Washington. Washington's offensive rebound was based on pure desire, he simply wanted the basketball more than anyone else on the court and that is a problem. In overtime, all Rhody MBB fans went through the same heart attack as their favorite team barely hung on for the win.
4. Falling in love with the three-point jump shot can spell trouble for the Rams.
URI shot 3 of 19 from beyond the arc at La Salle, good for just 15.8%. At some point, the Rams need to drive the ball into the lane continuously if their shots from deep are not falling.
5. URI continues to struggle from the free throw line.
Isn't it hilarious that I just published an article on Rhody MBB's Achilles heels? For a team that is considered to be a prime candidate to make it into the Sweet 16 and possibly further, they shot 31 free throws and only converted on 64.5% of them. I am very confident that few or none of the 2018 NCAA tournament teams will shoot below 75% from the free throw line if they shoot over 30 free throws as a team. Additionally, one of URI's senior leaders, E.C. Matthews, went an abysmal 0 for 5 from the free throw line.
6. Rhody MBB accomplished part of goal number one for this season.
On a positive note, Dan Hurley's team clinched a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title so congratulations to them for that achievement.
After the way URI crumbled late at Saint Bonaventure and barely won by the skin of their teeth in overtime at La Salle, the time for concern (or even panic) is now. Something needs to change for this Rhode Island team after this two-game road trip and it needs to happen soon.
