The Quahog Cup: Tale Of The Tape

Rhode Island Rams
Coach: Dan Hurley (1st)
2012-13 Record: 2-6
Key Players:
X. Munford (Jr): 18.9 PPG
N. Malesevic (Sr): 12.9 PPG
R. Brooks (Sr): 5.9 RPG
J. Hare (Fr): 2.6 BPG

Tonight: December 6, 2012
URI Rams @ Providence Friars
Dunkin Donuts Center
7:00 PM

Series Record: 68-56 (PC)
At the Dunk: 40-17 (PC)
2011 Meeting:  80-61 (PC)

Providence Friars
Coach: Ed Cooley (2nd)
2012-13 Record: 6-2
Key Players:
B. Cotton (Jr): 22.1 PPG
K. Batts (Jr): 17.0 PPG
L. Henton (So): 7.0 RPG
J. Fortune (Fr): 4.0 APG

The 125th edition of the most storied rivalry New England collegiate sports takes place tonight in Providence.  The Friars of Providence College play host to their interstate rivals, the Rhode Island Rams.  Led by second year head coach Ed Cooley, PC has come out of the gates running, posting a 6-2 record thus far.  On the other end, Dan Hurley has had a tough start to his tenure as University of Rhode Island head basketball coach.  Through eight games, the Rams are 2-6, with their only wins against Auburn (2-5) and Vermont (4-3).

The Rams are facing the challenge of rebuilding and reinventing their style following the departure of run-and-gun coach Jim Baron, while the Friars posses some fire power, and have their sights on a potential tournament bid.  Despite heading in different directions, all bets are off when it comes to this rivalry.  Providence College will have the benefit of the home court, where they have won the past four matchups againt Rhody, but look for the Rams to come out swinging, leaving it all on the floor for their new coach, and the fans.

My Prediction
Rhody uses its full court press to disrupt the PC offensive flow, and pulls off a late comeback...
Rhode Island   67
Providence      63

- Kevin Aherne