PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — The Rhode Island Rams will visit the Providence Friars on Saturday in an early-season clash between in-state men’s basketball programs. The game at Dunkin’ Center will feature teams heading in different directions. Rhode Island (7-2) enters on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating Brown 66-56 on Tuesday behind 17 points each from Jahmere Tripp and Tyler Cochran. Keeyan Itejere added 11 points and five blocks in the win. Providence (5-4) snapped a two-game skid with a 94-64 rout of Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday. Jason Edwards scored 24 points and Jaylin Sellers added 21 for the Friars. Stefan Vaaks recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. The Rams’ only losses this season came against Tulsa and Towson. The Friars have faced a tougher schedule, with losses to ranked opponents Colorado, Wisconsin and Florida. Following this matchup, Rhode Island hosts McNeese State on Dec. 9. Providence will host Brown on the same date.