Rhode Island vs. Duquesne College Basketball prediction, preview
Rhode Island and Duquesne split the regular season series with the home team winning each meeting. The most recent one came towards the end of the regular season, with the Rams winning at the Ryan Center on Senior Night. It sets up a nice spot for the Dukes to avenge the loss, essentially playing a home game here with the Atlantic 10 Tournament being played in Pittsburgh.
When Rhody traveled to Pittsburgh earlier this season it did not go well, with the Dukes pulling away by 15 points. The Rams are a scrappy team on the defensive side of the ball, but have been dreadful on the offensive end. The offensive struggles for URI caused it to limp to the finish line in the regular season, going 2-6 over its last eight games.
Rhode Island ranks just 233rd nationally in offensive efficiency, giving the Dukes a sizable advantage, ranking 149th by the same metrics on KenPom. Neither team is great rebounding the ball, but it is the Dukes that hold the edge there as well, ranking about 50 spots higher in rebounding rate on the season.
The Rams have been a mess this season, and it very well could end in parting ways with Archie Miller. I like to Dukes to bounce-back from last week’s loss to Rhody and get a win in the A-10 tournament, essentially playing with home court.
