The Rhode Island Rams (5-3) clash against the Providence Friars (5-4) at the Thomas M. Ryan Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6, 2019.
Providence Friars vs. Rhode Island Rams Free Prediction
The Friars will be looking for similar success after barely hanging on to beat the Pepperdine Waves in their last matchup, 80-77. The Friars made 20 of their 27 free throws (74.1 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.2 (above their season average of 32.7). Providence received a boost from Alpha Diallo, who finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The last time the Rams played, they were beaten by the West Virginia Mountaineers, 86-81. One of West Virginia’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 31 trips to the line, while Rhode Island went just 15 times. With 32 points on 14-for-25 shooting, Fatts Russell was the game’s high scorer.
The Friars won the only game against the Rams last season, 59-50. The Friars had a much better free throw rate (0.360 vs. 0.246) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.410 vs. 0.316).
The offense of Rhode Island will battle against the top-notch defense of Providence. Dating back to last season, the Rams rank 243rd in offensive efficiency, while the Friars are 12th in defensive efficiency. The Friars figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Providence Friars vs. Rhode Island Rams Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Providence ranks second in assists per game (15.3) while Rhode Island ranks 232nd (12.1).
The Friars rank 122nd in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Rams rank 291st (18.4).
Providence ranks 32nd in rebounds per game (36.9) while Rhode Island ranks 173rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
The Rams rank 73rd in steals per game (7.4) while the Friars rank 198th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Providence averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. Rhode Island ranks 143rd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
