Who's Playing

Rhode Island @ Massachusetts

Current Records: Rhode Island 10-4; Massachusetts 7-8

What to Know

The Rhode Island Rams lost both of their matches to the Massachusetts Minutemen last season on scores of 78-80 and 63-75, so they're hoping to turn the tables this season. The Rams and UMass will face off in an Atlantic 10 battle at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday at William D. Mullins Center. Rhode Island will be strutting in after a win while UMass will be stumbling in from a loss.

Rhode Island had enough points to win and then some against the Saint Joseph's Hawks on Wednesday, taking their contest 75-64. The top scorers for Rhode Island were center Makhel Mitchell (15 points) and guard Jeremy Sheppard (13 points).

Meanwhile, the Minutemen came up short against the Davidson Wildcats on Tuesday, falling 77-67. Massachusetts' defeat came about despite a quality game from guard T.J. Weeks Jr., who shot 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and finished with 21 points and seven boards.

Barring any buzzer beaters, the Rams are expected to win a tight contest. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (8-3), so they might be worth a quick bet.

Rhode Island's victory brought them up to 10-4 while UMass' loss pulled them down to 7-8. A pair of defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Rhode Island have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 37.20%, which places them fifth in college basketball. On the other end of the spectrum, the Minutemen have allowed their opponents to shoot 48.40% from the floor on average, which is the 353rd highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Where: William D. Mullins Center -- Amherst, Massachusetts
  • TV: USA Network
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Rams are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Minutemen, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Rams as a 3-point favorite.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

Rhode Island have won eight out of their last 13 games against Massachusetts.

  • Feb 06, 2021 - Massachusetts 75 vs. Rhode Island 63
  • Jan 13, 2021 - Massachusetts 80 vs. Rhode Island 78
  • Mar 07, 2020 - Rhode Island 64 vs. Massachusetts 63
  • Feb 04, 2020 - Rhode Island 73 vs. Massachusetts 67
  • Mar 09, 2019 - Rhode Island 94 vs. Massachusetts 75
  • Jan 27, 2019 - Massachusetts 77 vs. Rhode Island 70
  • Jan 30, 2018 - Rhode Island 85 vs. Massachusetts 83
  • Jan 17, 2018 - Rhode Island 73 vs. Massachusetts 51
  • Feb 07, 2017 - Rhode Island 70 vs. Massachusetts 62
  • Jan 15, 2017 - Rhode Island 79 vs. Massachusetts 77
  • Mar 10, 2016 - Massachusetts 67 vs. Rhode Island 62
  • Mar 03, 2016 - Rhode Island 68 vs. Massachusetts 50
  • Feb 02, 2016 - Massachusetts 61 vs. Rhode Island 56

Injury Report for Massachusetts

  • C.J. Kelly: Game-Time Decision (Knee)
  • Preston Santos: Game-Time Decision (Not Injury Related)
  • Dibaji Walker: Out for the Season (Undisclosed)

Injury Report for Rhode Island

  • Allen Betrand: Game-Time Decision (Knee)
  • Abdou Samb: Out for the Season (Not Injury Related)