The great run of the Rhode Island men’s basketball team came to an end on March 17 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in an 87-62 loss to Duke. It looked promising early for the Rams as they came out firing to go up 7-2. But the Blue Devils’ size and athleticism were too much for the Rams at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
As the clock ran down at the end of the game, Ram fans in Pittsburgh gave Rhody and its five seniors a well-deserved standing ovation for a great season. Rhody finishes the season with a 26-8 overall record.
The 2017-2018 campaign included URI’s first regular season Atlantic 10 Conference title and back-to-back, second-round NCAA tourney appearances for the first time in team history. The Rams’ opening-round win over Oklahoma was the 91st win over the last four years for seniors Jared Terrell, Jarvis Garrett and E.C. Matthews, the most victories over a four-year period in program history. Rhody fans gave the trio and the other standout seniors, Stanford Robinson and Andre Berry, a resounding send-off.
And Matthews capped his Rhody career with an outstanding effort, leading all scorers with 23 points against the Blue Devils.
For more about the Rhode Island men’s basketball team’s great season, visit gorhody.com or follow the team on Twitter @RhodyMBB.
Photo credit: Alan Hubbard