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NCAA Tournament: Breaking Down Rhode Island With Rhody Rampage

By Justin Phillips

Nov 20, 2016; Uncasville, CT, USA; Rhode Island Rams head coach Dan Hurley reacts from the sideline against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Duke defeated Rhode Island 75-65. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Uncasville, CT, USA; Rhode Island Rams head coach Dan Hurley reacts from the sideline against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Duke defeated Rhode Island 75-65. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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FanSided Sister Site Rhody Rampage helps break down what Oregon Fans should know about the Rhode Island Rams

The Oregon Ducks will meet Rhode Island on Sunday. The winner will head to the Sweet 16 and both teams have a lot to play for. The Rams have a nine game winning streak going entering their matchup with Oregon. Rhode Island came in as an 11 Seed after winning the A-10 Tournament and 3 Seed Oregon could see a challenge.

In getting to know Rhode Island, we reached out to Dave Ascoli from RhodyRampage who answered some questions about the Rams.

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Rhode Island led the entire game against Creighton holding them under 40 percent shooting from the floor. The Rams Defense has been solid all season,, but there is a big test coming with Oregon up next.

The Ducks are without Chris Boucher, but Rhode Island has a special player on Defense too.

"The Rams are quick, aggressive, and tenacious, especially in guarding the three point line. Add in one of the best shot blockers in the country down low in Hassan Martin and Rhody is an elite defensive team. They held NBA prospect and true seven footer Justin Patton of Creighton to just 3-of-12 shooting. Rhode Island’s defense has keyed their current nine game winning streak, and it has certainly made the trip to Sacramento."

The player that makes the Oregon Ducks Offense efficient is clearly Dillon Brooks, pushing 20 points per game during the Pac-12 Regular Season. Rhode Island also has an efficient playmaker on Offense.

"The go-to player has to be E.C. Matthews. The junior guard is returning to form after tearing his ACL last season and he’s been on fire recently. But Rhody has more than a few scoring options. All five of their starters were in double figures against Creighton, and they can get it done inside and out. Martin, Kuran Iverson, and Jared Terrell can lead the team in scoring on any given night. They also have a few wild cards — like Jeff Dowtin. The true freshman point guard dropped 23 on Friday to lead all scorers."

The Oregon Ducks made it through the Pac-12 slate with just two losses and an undefeated slate at home, but in the NCAA Tournament, anything goes. The seed numbers go out the window and it comes down to who plays better and wants it more.

"They’re resilient. It was a true up-and-down season for the Rams, and it looked like they were destined for the NIT on more than a few occasions. But they’re finally healthy, and they’re clicking. They’ve won nine straight, and they’ve trailed by less than a minute in their last four games COMBINED. They’re a trendy pick, but it’s not hard to see why."

Next: Oregon Football Pro Day: Prukop, Brown Boost Draft Stock

The Oregon Ducks and Rhode Island Rams tipoff at 4:10pm Pacific Time with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. The game will be broadcast on TBS from Sacramento.

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