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Rhode Island Rams Earn Historic 12-Year NCAA Tournament Break-through

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 8:19 GMT by Associated Press

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Rhode Island Rams Secure Historic NCAA Tournament Spot, Ending a 12‑Year Drought

In a game that felt more like a culmination of a decade of rebuilding than a single night of basketball, the Rhode Island Rams earned an invitation to the 2024 NCAA Tournament after a 20‑10 season that saw them finish second in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The win was the first time the Rams had been selected for the NCAA Tournament in 12 years, and it set the stage for a night of celebration at the University of Rhode Island, where fans flooded the campus to cheer on their team.

A Season Built on Resilience

Coach Dan Hurley, who took the helm at RIU in 2015, entered the season with the goal of finally breaking the Rams’ streak of missing post‑season play. The 2023‑24 roster was a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising freshmen. Senior guard Jalen “Jax” Collins emerged as the floor general, averaging 13.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. The team’s 3‑point shooting improved by 5.2 percentage points from the previous year, thanks in part to the work of shooting guard‑forward Trey Miller, who finished the season with a 38.7% three‑point percentage.

The Rams’ 20 wins were not a fluke; they came against a slate of high‑quality opponents. A 74‑68 victory over West Virginia in the early non‑conference stretch gave the Rams a boost in the NET rankings, while a hard‑fought 78‑73 win over Syracuse in the A‑10 tournament’s quarterfinals proved that the team could compete with the conference’s elite. Despite a 1‑2 record in the Atlantic 10’s last four games, the Rams’ consistency and depth—highlighted by the emergence of freshman forward Marcus Brown, who averaged 8.5 points per game—kept them in contention for an at‑large bid.

The Final Stretch: A Tournament Run

The Rams’ most dramatic moments came in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. They opened against VCU and, after a defensive battle, pulled out a 72‑69 win. The next game saw them facing the top seed, Dayton, a team that had gone 24‑5 during the regular season. In a classic underdog story, Rhode Island took advantage of a key turnover in the fourth quarter, winning 76‑73 behind a career‑high 28 points from Collins. The victory in the semifinals propelled the Rams into the championship game against La Salle.

In the title game, the Rams faced a tough La Salle squad that had been a surprise to many during the conference play. Rhode Island managed to keep the game close, with a 79‑77 win securing the Rams’ first Atlantic 10 Tournament championship in eight years. The victory earned the Rams a conference title and a boost in the NET rankings that helped their case for an NCAA Tournament selection.

The Selection Show

The selection committee announced the Rams’ inclusion in the NCAA Tournament on March 14th, placing them as a 14th seed in the East Region. The decision was praised by the coaching staff and the player corps. “It feels like a dream,” said coach Hurley in a post‑selection press conference. “We’ve worked hard every week, and it’s a testament to the grit of our players and the dedication of our entire program.”

The Rams’ next opponent was the 3rd seed, Clemson, who had a 28‑4 record and was led by senior guard‑forward Alex Johnson. The matchup was touted as a classic “Cinderella vs. powerhouse” scenario, and the Rams’ fans were hopeful that the underdog story would carry over into the national stage.

Key Takeaways

1. Historic Return – The Rams’ first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years is a testament to Coach Hurley’s long‑term plan and the program’s resilience.
2. Conference Dominance – Winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament, including an upset over Dayton, showcased the Rams’ ability to perform under pressure.
3. Player Development – The growth of senior guard Jalen Collins and freshman forward Marcus Brown was central to the Rams’ success, signaling a bright future for the program.
4. Nation‑Wide Attention – The Rams’ tournament bid has placed Rhode Island in the spotlight, drawing national attention to the Atlantic 10 Conference and its competitive landscape.

Looking Ahead

With the NCAA Tournament underway, the Rams’ next game against Clemson is the immediate focus, but the program’s momentum extends beyond the bracket. The university’s athletic department is already working on recruitment strategies that will aim to build on the season’s success. The Rams’ fans are left buzzing with excitement, knowing that this season has laid the foundation for future championship aspirations.

For more details on the Rams’ journey, including game-by-game recaps and in‑depth player statistics, readers can visit the University of Rhode Island Athletics website and the Atlantic 10 Conference’s official site. The AP’s coverage also offers a comprehensive breakdown of the selection process and the committee’s criteria, giving fans an inside look at how the Rams earned their spot in the national spotlight.