DAYTON, Ohio --- The beat goes on for the University of Rhode Island, this time at one of the toughest road environments the Atlantic 10 has to offer.
The Rams fought through some first-half bumps and eventually took command, with Dayton ultimately powerless to stop the runaway train atop the conference.
URI’s 88-74 victory at a sold out UD Arena was its eighth straight away from home in conference play, extending a program record. The Rams are on a 10-game winning streak for the first time in almost 70 years and have captured 15 consecutive games against league foes.
It was URI’s depth that did the damage as much as Jared Terrell or E.C. Matthews, who combined for 41 points. Nicola Akele spelled the foul-plagued Rams’ frontcourt with a season-high nine points off the bench, with all of those coming in the first half. Fatts Russell came off the bench to pour in all 10 of his points in the second half, as the freshman guard caught fire quickly.
Then there was Jarvis Garrett. The senior point guard’s experience is invaluable to URI’s reserves, as evidenced by a second standout performance in his last three games. Garrett totaled 10 points in last Saturday’s 87-73 showdown with St. Bonaventure and was brilliant again a week later, totaling a season-high seven assists against just one turnover. The Rams were plus-19 in Garrett’s 19 minutes on the floor.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On Twitter: @BillKoch25