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Rhode Island Rams Rally to 78-75 Win Over Providence Friars

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-rally-to-78-75-win-over-providence-friars.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 6:36 GMT by Associated Press

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Rhode Island Rams Surge Past Conference Rival in Tight Battle, Bolstering Big East Title Hopes

On a chilly evening in Providence, the Rhode Island Rams pulled out a hard‑fought 78–75 win over their arch‑rival, the Providence Friars, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second. The victory, which came on February 24th, not only kept the Rams’ winning streak alive but also nudged them into a stronger position for the Big East tournament and the possibility of an NCAA berth.

The matchup, played at the historic Dunkin’ Donuts Center, saw the Rams overcome a 12‑point deficit in the third quarter. After trailing 42–30 midway through the second period, the Rams’ defense tightened, and their offense found a rhythm that culminated in a 17‑0 run that put them ahead 58–44 heading into the final period. Senior guard Jalen “Jax” Jones, who had been quietly grinding for the season, exploded for a career‑high 32 points, including eight three‑point shots, and was the driving force behind the rally. “We had to stay patient and keep the ball moving,” Jones said after the game. “The guys stuck to the game plan, and the offense just clicked.”

On the other side, Friar forward‑center Kevin O’Connor posted a double‑double, recording 24 points and 12 rebounds, but could not contain the Rams’ surge. Friar coach John Smith, who had led the team to a 13‑5 conference record, admitted that the game “was a tough fight, but the Rams made a comeback.” He added that the team will need to “take the positives from this game and keep working hard for the rest of the season.”

The Rams’ win is significant for several reasons. First, it extends their record streak of consecutive wins to 16, the longest in program history. Second, the victory boosts the Rams’ conference record to 10‑6, bringing them to the top tier of the Big East standings and into a playoff spot that could secure them an at‑large bid to the NCAA tournament. Finally, the win against a rival with a strong record underscores the Rams’ resilience and coaching acumen.

Coach Chris Mack, in his third season at Rhode Island, praised his players’ effort and tenacity. “We’ve always been about grit and determination,” he said. “The guys showed it tonight. They didn’t give up, even when the pressure was on.” Mack’s coaching strategy, which emphasizes a disciplined defense and high‑volume perimeter shooting, has been paying dividends as the Rams have tightened their play and reduced turnovers in recent games.

The victory also comes at a critical juncture for the Rams’ star sophomore forward, Marcus “Mighty” Thomas, who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Thomas, who has been a key player in the program’s recent resurgence, highlighted the importance of the win for his confidence: “Every win feels good, but beating Providence means a lot because it’s a rival and a tough conference game. It shows we can win when it counts.”

Looking ahead, the Rams face a tough schedule. Their next game, on March 1st, is against the highly ranked Butler Bulldogs, who boast a 14‑4 conference record and are considered one of the favorites for the Big East title. The Rams will also need to maintain the defensive intensity that led to the Friar win, especially against a team that relies on inside scoring.

The article, which can be found on the AP News website, also links to several resources that provide deeper context and additional data:

• The Rhode Island Rams official roster page, which lists player stats and biographies.
• The Big East Conference standings and schedule, for a view of how the Rams’ record fits into the broader conference picture.
• A statistical recap on ESPN, offering a play‑by‑play breakdown and advanced metrics.
• A feature on Jalen Jones from the university’s sports news portal, which chronicles his development throughout the season.

In sum, the Rams’ win over the Friars demonstrates that the program is not only capable of maintaining a high level of play but also capable of turning adversity into opportunity. With their sights set on the postseason, the Rams have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big East, and that they are well on their way to becoming a national contender.