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For the first time in over six decades, the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team opened its season with a dominant Division I victory, dismantling Holy Cross 103-59 on Tuesday night at the Ryan Center. The last time the Rams controlled a season opener so thoroughly was in 1960, when they defeated Hartford 96-52 under head coach Ernie Calverley.
Jonah Hinton wasted no time making an impact from beyond the arc, scoring 24 points to pace four Rams in double figures. Rhode Island shot 55.2% from the field, connected on 12 3-pointers, and dished out 19 assists against just five turnovers. Ten different players finished with a plus-minus of at least plus-18.
"It goes a long way in terms of morale and just getting the nerves and the anxiety out," URI coach Archie Miller said. "I thought our kids across the board from a team perspective came out and played the right way."
The Rams' offensive efficiency was historic: their 1.43 adjusted points per possession ranks among the best performances since KenPom.com began tracking in 1996-97. Only two other URI games have surpassed that mark—a 1.47 effort against Marist in 2016-17 and a 1.44 showing versus Fordham in 1996-97.
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Rhode Island's emphasis on retention during the offseason paid immediate dividends, as the core group looked cohesive on both ends. Jalen Harper added 11 points, while Jahmere Tripp and Barrett Loer combined for 17. "It means everything," Harper said. "I think the confidence just comes naturally coming into my second year."
Hinton set the tone early, hitting five of his first six shots and four of five from deep to score 14 points in the first eight minutes. His 3-pointer with 12:03 left in the first half pushed URI ahead 23-10. "I kind of get a feeling for if the shot is on or not," Hinton said. "Then throughout the game as you get warm you can get more of a feel. You can heat up."
Matas Deniusas, a transfer from Tennessee Martin, posted 13 points and eight rebounds in his debut, including 10 points and five boards before halftime. "When he bangs a couple I think at the end of the day that helps everybody," Miller said. "No question about it—seeing the ball go in does wonders."
The Rams were without Mouhamed Sow (knee), but freshman guard Jaen Chatman made his college debut off the bench after missing the exhibition game with a right index finger injury. Chatman contributed six points, three assists, and a steal in 17 minutes. "The things he has to think about on a daily basis are simple—I take care of the ball and I'm solid as hell on defense," Miller said. "I think as he earns that trust you'll continue to see him evolve as the year goes on."
Holy Cross, playing without injured starters Declan Ryan (knee) and Joe Nugent (Achilles), plus Kosi Mgbejiofor, was led by Kole Hanson's 11 points. The Crusaders shot just 38.2% from the field and committed 16 turnovers.
Rhode Island returns to action Saturday against Monmouth at Mohegan Sun Arena. "It gives you a real opportunity to have success long term," Miller said. "There's nothing more important than ball security with our team, especially having a lot of inexperience and having a lot of new guys."
Originally reported by yahoo.