WASHINGTON (HMG) – The Rhode Island Rams continued their dominance in the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Washington, DC on Saturday with a 90-87 victory over the St. Joseph Hawks. With the semi-final victory, the Rams will take on Davidson for the “A-10” title on Sunday, March 11th, 2018 at the Capital One Arena.
“We have championship culture, championship DNA and we showed it today in a game that we had to fight our tail off to win,” said Dan Hurley, the Rams head coach. “Credit to Saint Joe’s. Coach Martelli, they are going to be a big problem next year with that group of young guys. He [Martelli] was my vote for Coach of the Year this year in the conference.”
The Rams enjoyed a big day from Andre Berry with 18 points. Additionally, Fatts Russell hit two critical three-point field goals down the stretch to improve his scoring at 14 points on the day.
“I just go into the game like every game and find my spots,” said Berry. “My guards do a great job of finding me in open places. They just find me around the rim.”
At 25-6, they are the first no. 1 seed in the division to reach the conference championship game since 2013.
“Great credit to Rhode Island,” said Hawks coach Phil Martelli. “Maximum effort; fabulous fan support, which is great for the league, and a game I think was worthy to be seen by the whole country.”
Although a tight game, the Rams kept the Hawks away by at least two points throughout the contest.
The Rams will take on the no. 3 seeded Davidson Wildcats on Sunday afternoon in the nation’s capital. This will be the first A-10 championship appearance for the Wildcats.
