Hofstra at Rhode Island

Hofstra has averaged 24 wins over the last two years and have been snubbed by the NCAA both times. Now they must learn to win without the leadership and scoring of Loren Stokes (20 ppg) and Carlos Rivera (13.4 ppg). It hasn't been easy. Antoine Aguidio has been the entire show for Hofstra. He is averaging 27.4 ppg. It has left players standing around watching. The Pride has committed 129 turnovers and have just 65 assists. A very telling sign the offense is standing around and watching Aguidio. The result are losses on the road to St. Francis, Holy Cross and Fordham, as well as a home loss to Stony Brook and NC Wilmington, and a narrow escape at home against a poor Manhattan team. Rhode Island has been an early surprise. The Rams come in at 10-1 and already owns a win over Providence, and has won at South Florida and Syracuse, while losing by only four at Boston College. This is a high-octane offense scoring over 80 points a game, with no starter connecting on less than 48%. The concern coming in was a defense that allowed 76.1 ppg last year, and that has been shaved considerably as the Rams are allowing just 68.6 ppg, and 40% FG shooting as well as just 30% from deep. Jim Baron's team has a lot of weapons, and The Pride has become a one-man show. This one has blowout written all over it.