Orlando Classic Wrap

As the Orlando Classic concludes, URI had a solid showing. The Rams showed well against Kansas who ended up winning the tournament, they beat Santa Clara and they could have beat Georgia Tech, they played well in the game.

E.C. Matthews had a great tournament, leading the Rams in scoring in every game and freshman Jared Terrell made his debut on a national stage and played two good games after not playing well against Kansas. 

URI will build off of these games and be better because of them in the near future. 

Hassan Martin

One positive for the Rams was the play of Hassan Martin in this game. Martin had ten points, one block, eight rebounds and two steals in the game. 

Martin went four of five from the floor and made each of his two free throws that he had. Martin has reached double figures in three of the six games that URI has played so far this season. 

A good sign for the Rams if he can continue to play well. 

Biggie Minnis

Biggie Minnis had a great game in URI's previous outing however this game was another bad one. 

In 19 minutes of play time, Minnis had zero points, took one shot and had three turnovers in the game. Minnis added two rebounds and didn't shoot one free throw in the game. 

URI needs Biggie Minnis to be a little more consistent this season if they are going to be a good team. 

E.C. Matthews

Another solid effort from Bob Cousy Award nominee E.C. Matthews in this game against Georgia Tech. Matthews led the Rams with 17 points, four assists, two steals and two rebounds. 

The only negative about Matthews game was his five turnovers but other then that he has been tremendous and nearly made a half court shot to tie the game. 

Matthews has led the Rams in scoring throughout this Orlando Classic and with some tough games coming up, expect him to continue to do so. 

Closing the half better

What proved costly for the Rams in this game was the way they closed the first half of it, by not scoring. 

With 6:24 left in the half, the Rams had an 18-17 lead in the game. URI didn't score another basket until 18:44 of the second half and by that time they trailed 32-20. 

In that stretch where they didn't score, they took mostly all jump shots and had numerous turnovers. Matthews turned the ball over three times himself in that stretch. 

URI has to learn from this and close half's better, it cost them in this game.