December is the season for nonconference rivalry games in college basketball, but due to increasing roster turnover, players on Rhode Island and Providence are much less accustomed to their rivalry than the schools' fans.

Coach Kim English and Providence (5-4) will try to avoid a repeat of last year when they host Rhode Island (7-2) on Saturday afternoon.

English arrived from George Mason in 2023-24 and has split the first two editions of the Ocean State Rivalry under his watch. After a 15-point win in 2023, the Friars headed to URI's campus and were handed a 69-63 loss.

"I think our two games against Rhode Island have been very competitive," English said this week. "High-intensity and competitive and fiery games."

The only Friars to play in that game who are still on the team are No.

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