An intriguing college basketball showdown is set for Thursday, February 26, as the Rhode Island Rams travel to face the struggling St. Bonaventure Bonnies in an Atlantic 10 Conference matchup.
St. Bonaventure has encountered a difficult season, currently sitting just above .500 with a record of 14-13, and they are on a troubling three-game losing streak. Their A-10 record stands at 3-11, placing them only ahead of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in the conference standings. Despite their recent struggles, the Bonnies are still favored in their first and only matchup with Rhode Island during the 2025-26 season.
On the other hand, Rhode Island brings a record of 15-12 into this contest. While the Rams have had their ups and downs, including an impressive upset victory over a ranked Saint Louis team last week, they fell short in their most recent game, scoring just 46 points against La Salle. Overall, the Rams’ performance in A-10 play has been inconsistent, resulting in a 6-8 conference record and their current position at No. 123 in KenPom’s rankings.
Rhode Island’s road performance has been a concern, as they have lost their last three away games, and they are 4-5 on the road for the season. Nevertheless, the Rams possess the ability to defeat top teams in the conference, which adds to the intrigue of this matchup.
The game statistics suggest tight competition, with Rhode Island receiving a 2.5-point spread advantage, while the Bonnies are -155 on the moneyline. The over/under for the total points is set at 144.5.
Key player to watch for St. Bonaventure will be Darryl Simmons II, a standout guard who averages 16.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, shooting an impressive 44.7% from the field, including 42.6% from beyond the arc. At home, Simmons excels even further, averaging 17.3 points per game and shooting 45.0% from the field. Containing Simmons will be critical for Rhode Island if they hope to secure an upset.
Despite challenges in recent outings, Rhode Island appears to have the edge in this matchup. St. Bonaventure’s struggles, particularly on the defensive end—ranking 252nd in adjusted defensive efficiency—present an opportunity for the Rams. Although Rhode Island’s shooting percentages leave room for improvement, they should encounter favorable looks against a Bonnies’ defense that ranks poorly in opponent effective field goal percentage.
Given the context of the teams’ recent performances and statistics, a prediction leans towards Rhode Island covering the spread. The Rams have the potential to keep the game competitive, making them a solid pick for this encounter.
As fans anticipate this exciting matchup, both teams remain in a position where they must aim for a strong finish to stay alive in the postseason race, further adding to the stakes of this game.