Friars Host In-State Rival Rhode Island Saturday at the AMP

The Providence Friars will look to keep their momentum rolling as they welcome the Rhode Island Rams to the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Saturday at 12 p.m. on truTV. It will be the 135th meeting in one of New England’s longest-running rivalries, and Providence enters aiming to continue its recent success in the all-time series while building on an impressive early-season stretch.

The Friars have been tested often through their opening nine games, facing five power-conference opponents across the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten (twice), and SEC. Despite the demanding slate, Providence has emerged as one of the BIG EAST’s most productive offensive teams, ranking second in the league at 90.4 points per game and first in free-throw percentage (78.9 percent).

They’ll attempt to maintain that pace Saturday against a URI team that stunned Providence last season in Kingston, 69–63. But history favors the Friars. PC leads the all-time series 77–57, including 41–23 at home, and has won 11 of the last 14 meetings. In the last 20 matchups overall, Providence holds a 14–6 edge. The most recent meeting at the AMP—a convincing 84–69 win on December 2, 2023—showed Providence’s ability to control the rivalry when playing in front of its home crowd, where the program is 646–249 all-time.

Providence enters the matchup fresh off a dominant 94–64 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday. Graduate guard Jason Edwards once again drove the offense, scoring 24 points as he continues a remarkable start to the season. Edwards, who has already appeared twice on the BIG EAST Honor Roll, leads the team with 19.2 points per game—second overall in the conference—and has recorded at least 20 points in five of nine games. He’s also one of 20 players named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Preseason Watch List and was selected Second Team Preseason All-BIG EAST.

Behind him, graduate guard Jaylin Sellers has emerged as a reliable secondary scorer, averaging 15.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Sellers’ efficiency at the free-throw line has been elite; he leads the BIG EAST at 88.5 percent after making 23 of his first 26 attempts.

Freshman guard/wing Stefan Vaaks has also made an early name for himself. A former BIG EAST Freshman of the Week, Vaaks leads the Friars with 24 made three-pointers while shooting 39.3 percent from deep. He is averaging 13.3 points per game and is coming off a breakout performance with 10 points and a season-high 10 assists against FDU—his first career double-double. His timely shooting has already swung multiple games, including two late threes that sealed the Friars’ win over Penn State on November 22.

Anchoring the interior is sophomore shot-blocker Oswin Erhunmwunse, who currently leads the nation with 30 blocks (3.33 per game). His seven blocks at Colorado marked the most by a Friar in a single contest since 2011. Erhunmwunse has also contributed 7.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while earning Preseason All-BIG EAST Third Team honors.

The Friars’ depth has been a storyline all season, bolstered by 10 newcomers joining five returnees. However, Providence’s rotation was thinner Tuesday as Duncan Powell, Daquan Davis, and Rich Barron all missed the game due to injuries. Their status for Saturday remains a key factor to monitor. Still, head coach Kim English’s group has showcased resilience and versatility through the first month of play.

Historically, Providence has performed well against Atlantic 10 opponents, posting a 157–115 all-time record versus current A10 programs. URI, of course, is the most familiar among them, adding another layer of intensity to Saturday’s matchup.

With a high-powered offense, strong guard play, and the nation’s top shot blocker patrolling the paint, the Friars appear well-positioned as they seek to reclaim in-state bragging rights after last year’s setback. Home-court history, recent form, and a rising group of contributors all tilt the momentum toward Providence—but rivalry games often bring unpredictability.

Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. on truTV, as another chapter in the storied Providence–URI rivalry unfolds at the AMP.