First thoughts as the Rhode Island Rams open Atlantic 10 conference play with a 65-53 win at Saint Louis
Decisive run
Five Rams scored in an 11-0 URI run over 5:50 to erase a five-point SLU lead and take a lead they never surrendered. Gilvydas Biruta started it with a jumper followed by a Biggie Minnis layup. T.J. Buchanan led E.C. Matthews for a dunk. Jared Terrell dished back-to-back dimes finding Hassan Martin for a layup and hitting Jarvis Garrett for a 3-pointer. Garrett’s two free throws made it a 45-37 game with 10:51 remaining in the game.
Converting turnovers
Nearly half (30) of URI’s points came as a result of 21 SLU turnovers. The Rams outscored the Bills, 30-16 in points off turnovers. Sixteen of URI’s 27 first-half points came as the result of 12 SLU miscues. Garrett’s four steals led four Rams with multiple thefts. Terrell added three. Buchanan and Minnis each had two. For perspective – Saint Louis grabbed as many defensive rebounds as they had turnovers.
Free isn’t always without a cost
The Bills shot 11 of 18 from the free throw line (URI went 14 of 19). Four of SLU’s seven misses were the front end of one and ones.
Doing work
Martin led URI with 14 on 6 of 10 shooting from the floor and 3 of 4 at the line. The sophomore guard added eight rebounds and four blocks with just one turnover. Milik Yarbrough had a game-high 19 on 7 of 12 shooting (5 of 6 at the stripe). Yarbrough also grabbed eight boards.
Mirror Images?
Both teams tallied nine second-chance points, 11 on the fast break and the benches contributed 11 apiece.
Winning on the road
With the win, Rhody equals their number of conference road victories from a year ago. The Rams won three games overall away from the friendly confines last season. During Danny Hurley’s first year at the helm, the Rams won two road games in the A-10. Ironically, one of those came in overtime against a Billiken club which went on to win the A-10.
Finding the rotation
The Bills have six freshmen in the lineup: Marcus Bartley, Austin Gillmann, Brett Jolly, Miles Reynolds, Davell Roby and Yarbrough. Prior to Saturday a dozen Billikens averaged double-digit minutes. That number was reduced to seven with Austin McBroom, Ash Yacoubou, John Manning and Mike Crawford along with Bartley, Roby and Yarborough logging at least 16 minutes apiece.
Looking ahead
Rhode Island (9-3/1-0) hosts Fordham (5-6) Wednesday night. Saint Louis (8-6/0-1) travels to play at George Washington (11-3/1-0) on Tuesday.
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