La Salle Explorers Upset Rhode Island Rams 79-72
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Thomas M. Ryan Center
La Salle Explorers 79, Rhode Island Rams 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won La Salle Explorers vs Rhode Island Rams?
La Salle Explorers beat Rhode Island Rams 79-72 at Thomas M. Ryan Center on January 7, 2026.
Who was favored in La Salle Explorers vs Rhode Island Rams?
Rhode Island Rams were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -700 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In an unexpected turn of events, the La Salle Explorers triumphed over the Rhode Island Rams with a final score of 79-72 at the Thomas M. Ryan Center. This game was particularly notable as it marked La Salle's first victory in five games, ending a streak of losses that had plagued them throughout the season. The Explorers, now with a record of 6-11, showcased resilience against a Rams team that had entered the match with a home record of 9-7 but was struggling with their own form, having lost their last two games.
Rhode Island's recent performance had seen them average 68.0 points scored while allowing 65.8 points per game over their last ten outings, with a home record of 3-2. However, La Salle's away struggles were evident, as they had not secured a win in their last five away games, averaging only 62.4 points scored and allowing a staggering 82.6 points during that stretch. This game was crucial for both teams, with the Rams looking to bounce back and the Explorers aiming to break free from their losing streak.
The odds provided by DraftKings indicated Rhode Island as the clear favorite, with a spread of -11.5 and a moneyline of -700. La Salle, conversely, was priced at +500 on the moneyline. The total for the game was set at 135.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive matchup.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strengths. Rhode Island had previously faced La Salle on two occasions in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game. In their last meeting on February 15, 2025, Rhode Island came out on top with an 86-71 victory, but the Explorers turned the tables in this latest encounter.
In terms of scoring plays, La Salle's Rob Dockery was instrumental, making key shots, including a 7-foot jumper and several free throws that helped seal the victory. Jonah Hinton also contributed significantly with a pair of three-pointers that kept the momentum in La Salle's favor during critical moments of the second half. The Explorers' ability to execute under pressure proved vital, especially as they built a lead that the Rams could not overcome.
With this victory, La Salle has not only improved their record but also gained a crucial boost in confidence as they look to build on this success in upcoming games. Meanwhile, Rhode Island will need to reassess their strategy and performance as they continue to search for answers to their recent struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | URI -11.5 | 135.5 o -115 / u -105 | La Salle Explorers +500 · Rhode Island Rams -700 |
Leaders
- PointsJonah Hinton18Rhode Island Rams
- AssistsMyles Corey4Rhode Island Rams
- ReboundsKeeyan Itejere6Rhode Island Rams
- PointsRob Dockery22La Salle Explorers
- AssistsJaden Johnson4La Salle Explorers
- ReboundsRob Dockery7La Salle Explorers
Recent form
Rhode Island Rams
Last 10: 5-5Streak L268 scored · 65.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L50-61at George Mason PatriotsJan 3
- L57-61vs Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 31
- W85-77vs Northeastern HuskiesDec 23
- W62-45vs Canisius Golden GriffinsDec 17
- L64-66vs McNeese CowboysDec 10
- L71-90at Providence FriarsDec 6
- W66-56vs Brown BearsDec 3
- W90-75at Temple OwlsNov 27
- W80-65at Vermont CatamountsNov 25
- L55-62at Towson TigersNov 24
La Salle Explorers
Last 10: 2-8Streak L564.5 scored · 72.5 allowed per game0-5 away
- L55-77at George Washington RevolutionariesJan 3
- L75-80vs George Mason PatriotsDec 31
- L50-102at Michigan WolverinesDec 21
- L72-84at High Point PanthersDec 20
- L60-70at Long Island University SharksDec 13
- W69-64vs Drexel DragonsDec 6
- L60-66vs Merrimack WarriorsNov 30
- L71-73at Pennsylvania QuakersNov 29
- L58-63vs Hofstra PrideNov 28
- W75-46vs Lancaster Bible ChargersNov 22
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | La Salle Explorers | Rhode Island Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-41 | 24-58 |
| Field goal % | 61 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-13 | 12-34 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 35 |
| Free throws | 22-33 | 12-18 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 14 |
| Assists | 12 | 16 |
| Steals | 12 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 22 |
| Fouls | 15 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 58 | 38 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half41-40Truth Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half41-41Jahmere Tripp makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-41Jerome Brewer Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half43-42Jahmere Tripp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Jahmere Tripp makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-44Rob Dockery makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jerome Brewer Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half48-44Jerome Brewer Jr. makes layup (Jaden Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-44Jaden Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half50-47Tyler Cochran makes 26-foot three point jumper (Myles Corey assists)
- 2nd Half53-47Jerome Brewer Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Truth Harris assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Jerome Brewer Jr. makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half55-48Drissa Traore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-48Jerome Brewer Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half59-48Truth Harris makes layup (Ashton Walker assists)
- 2nd Half59-51Jonah Hinton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Drissa Traore assists)
- 2nd Half59-53Tyler Cochran makes layup
- 2nd Half59-54Tyler Cochran makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-54Rob Dockery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-54Rob Dockery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-54Josiah Harris makes layup (Jaden Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half65-54Ashton Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half65-57Myles Corey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jahmere Tripp assists)
- 2nd Half66-57Rob Dockery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-57Rob Dockery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-58Keeyan Itejere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Keeyan Itejere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-59Josiah Harris makes layup (Rob Dockery assists)
- 2nd Half69-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-61Truth Harris makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-61Rob Dockery makes layup
- 2nd Half73-64Jonah Hinton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Myles Corey assists)
- 2nd Half75-64Rob Dockery makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half75-67Jonah Hinton makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-67Rob Dockery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-70Jonah Hinton makes 28-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half77-70Truth Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-72Myles Corey makes layup
- 2nd Half78-72Rob Dockery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Rob Dockery makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Rhode Island Rams, below favours La Salle Explorers.
Venue
- Thomas M. Ryan CenterKingston, RI
- Attendance3074
- OfficialsTony Crisp, Ed Corliss
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These two, other days
- La Salle Defeats Rhode Island 59-46 at HomeFeb 21, 2026