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NCAA Tournament Roundup: Fatts figures largely in Rams’ win

Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins, on top, and UNCG forward Corey Kispert hit the court as they battle for possession during an NCAA tournament opener Thursday in Boise, Idaho. Gonzaga held off a stiff challenge from the SoCon champion to win 68-64. Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins, on top, and UNCG forward Corey Kispert hit the court as they battle for possession during an NCAA tournament opener Thursday in Boise, Idaho. Gonzaga held off a stiff challenge from the SoCon champion to win 68-64.

By Associated Press March 16, 2018 8 min read

PITTSBURGH – Here’s the skinny on a Philly guard called Fatts: The player with the best nickname in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament, given because he was a chunky baby, turned in the stout performance Rhode Island required to win.

Fatts Russell hit three 3-pointers, scored 15 points and showed that – for this first-round game, at least – he was the best freshman guard around as he pressured Oklahoma’s dynamic scorer, Trae Young, right out of the tournament.

Rhode Island’s Fatts Russell, left, celebrates with a teammate after the Rams’ 83-78 overtime win against Oklahoma on Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Rams won in the opening round of the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row.

E.C. Matthews hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime and one more that sealed it to help Rhode Island hold off Young and beat Oklahoma 83-78 Thursday.

The seventh-seeded Rams (26-7) won a game in the tournament for the second straight season.

Young is likely one-and-done, headed for the NBA draft this summer. Russell (whose first name is Daron) plays on.