Rhode Island scored arguably its biggest win of the season on Saturday night without star guard E.C. Matthews.
But Matthews is targeting a return from a fractured wrist on Dec. 16 when the Rams host Charleston, he told Andy Katz of NCAA.com following the Rams’ 75-68 victory over Ocean State rival Providence on Saturday. Matthews will miss Wednesday’s game at Alabama before returning.
“He should be back for Charleston,” Rhody coach Dan Hurley told ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-5 Matthews hasn’t played since a Nov. 13 loss to Nevada. He’s averaging 14.0 points and 3.0 rebounds.
Without Matthews, the Rams improved to 2-0 against Big East teams this season, following a win last month over Seton Hall in the NIT Season Tip-Off. Rhode Island has actually won three straight overall against the Big East, including a win over Creighton in the NCAA Tournament.
Daron “Fatts’ Russell scored 20 points in the Providence win, Jarvis Garrett had 15 and Andre Berry added 12.
Rhode Island (5-2) was picked to win the Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season title.
