Takeaways from URI vs. Oklahoma
After Rhody MBB's epic 83-78 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the first round of the 2018 NCAA tournaments, these are the key takeaways from the game.
1. Daron "Fatts" Russell is already a hero in Rhode Island MBB history.
Russell not only scored 15 points (5-12 FG and 2-2 FT) but he made the baskets that kept his team in the game when it appeared that Oklahoma was one run away from blowing out Rhode Island. Not only did Fatts Russell not shy away from any big shot opportunities but he had a big steal off of Oklahoma's Trae Young and he shot a three-pointer right in Young's eye.
For a good amount of time in the game, Russell was better than Young.
2. E.C. Matthews has officially turned a corner.
Matthews was productive throughout the Atlantic 10 tournament, including being the lead scorer for his team (20 points) in the Atlantic 10 championship game. However, the difference between his performances in the A-10 championship game and the first round of the 2018 NCAA tournament is that he successfully closed game out in the round of 64. Rhody's #0 hit the three-point jump shot that put the game out of reach for Oklahoma in overtime and he led his team with 16 points. As long as the Detroit native keeps shooting like this, his team will have a realistic possibility of advancing into the next round.
3. Rhode Island's defense against the best of college basketball is still questionable.
With all eyes and focus on Trae Young, the freshman superstar still scored 28 points (9-18 FG and 7-8 FT) and dished out seven assists. Coming up next for the Rams is a matchup with the star-studded Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans and Kansas Jayhawks have plenty of star players waiting for them within the Midwest region.
4. Rhode Island was severely outrebounded by an Oklahoma team that is not a very good rebounding team.
The Sooners took advantage of URI's four guard lineups by grabbing 54 total rebounds, compared to the 41 total rebounds that the Rams grabbed. URI would be wise to use bigger and taller lineups against Duke.
5. Playing in Pittsburgh, PA gives Dan Hurley's team a chance against anyone.
The Rhode Island crowd came through in full force into PPG Paints Arena and they helped their favorite college basketball team overcome their opposition. In their upcoming matchup with Duke, the Rhode Island MBB team will need their crowd to help them again.
