Rhode Island Basketball: Rams Secure Win Over Detroit Mercy, Women’s Team Prepares for Cancun Challenge

The University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team continued their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 81-75 victory over Detroit Mercy at the Jacksonville Classic on Wednesday, November 27. The Rams, now 5-0, set a season high with 13 three-pointers, including nine in the first half. Forward David Green and guard Jamarques Lawrence were instrumental early, combining for five three-pointers and 19 points in the first half. Despite Green being limited by three first-half fouls, guard Cam Estevez stepped up, drilling all four of his three-point attempts and scoring 12 points in the first half.

Detroit Mercy’s Orlando Lovejoy kept the Titans in the game with 28 points, including 14 in the first half. The game saw several close moments, with the Titans tying the score 60-60 late in the second half. However, Green’s five consecutive points sparked a 10-4 run for the Rams, securing a 70-64 lead. The game remained intense until the final seconds, with Rhode Island’s Sebastian Thomas and Jamarques Lawrence converting crucial free throws to seal the win.

In other news, the Rhode Island women’s basketball team is set to face No. 22 Iowa in the 2024 Cancun Challenge on Thursday, November 28. The tournament, held at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Mexico, features ten NCAA women’s basketball teams divided into two divisions. Rhode Island will play Iowa at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the game streaming live on FloHoops. The women’s team will also face Idaho State on Friday, November 29, as part of the round-robin tournament.

The Cancun Challenge is part of the early season schedule for these teams, offering a competitive and scenic backdrop for their matches. Fans can subscribe to FloHoops to watch the games live and on-demand, along with other college basketball events throughout the season).