If last year’s men’s basketball standings are any guide, it will be a testing Atlantic 10 road for the University of Rhode Island in 2024-25. 

The Rams will visit both regular season co champions, the conference tournament winner and another team that won 21 games overall for single matchups. They’ll also play home-and-home with two other 20-game winners. 

Richmond, Loyola Chicago, Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s all await URI at dates and times to be determined. Massachusetts and George Mason will host the Rams and visit the Ryan Center at some point next year. 

More: After disappointing season ends, what’s next for Rhode Island basketball?

The Spiders and Ramblers both closed 15-3 in conference play while the Dukes ended an NCAA Tournament drought that stretched to 1977. They sent coach Keith Dambrot into retirement with an upset run through Barclays Center in March, leaving Brooklyn with an automatic ticket punched to March Madness. The Hawks followed a strong nonconference performance with just a 9-9 league finish, but they should remain among the favorites entering media day in the fall. 

The Minutemen and Patriots were part of a tight middle pack behind the leaders. Six teams finished within two games of one another — UMass tied with VCU at 11-7 while George Mason closed even with Saint Joseph’s and St. Bonaventure. URI counts the Minutemen among its oldest rivals, with the first meeting between the two schools taking place in January 1908. 

Saint Louis is the lone solo road trip for the Rams next season, and it could be a tough one. Josh Schertz is in from Indiana State to replace Travis Ford and has brought a host of Sycamore connections with him, including assistant coach and Rhode Island native Antone Gray. URI fell to the Billikens at the conference tournament last season to close a 12-20 campaign. 

Fordham and La Salle are the other two home-and-home partners for the Rams next season. The short trips to New York and Philadelphia should be competitive — URI went 2-2 against those two opponents last season, defeating the Explorers at home and winning at Rose Hill Gym in March. 

Dayton, VCU, the Bonnies, Davidson and George Washington travel to Kingston for single games. The Rams beat the Wildcats on the road as part of a 3-0 league start last season and blew out the Revolutionaries on the road. The Flyers offered a rude homecoming for Archie Miller, defeating their former coach by a comfortable margin in a place where he reached an Elite Eight and four NCAA Tournaments from 2014-17.  

URI has confirmed at least one other game on its schedule next year. The Rams will host Providence for the annual in-state grudge match on Dec. 7. The Friars have won three straight in the series, including an 84-69 home victory last season.   

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25 

Olivia Culpo flaunted her incredible figure in a stylish bikini with fiance, Christian McCaffrey, as they enjoyed time at the beach in Rhode Island on Tuesday ahead of their nuptials. 

The former Miss Universe winner, 32 – who recently signed a marriage license with the NFL player, 28, before their wedding ceremony – was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection. 

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees. 

Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders.  

The former Miss Universe winner was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist. 

Olivia chose to go barefoot while strolling along the sandy shore, and was seen holding her cute pup in her arms who also joined in on the summer fun. 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks. 

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun. 

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet. 

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart. 

Both Culpo and McCaffrey paused for a few memorable photos outside of the luxurious jet next to large letters that read, ‘Mr & Mrs’ as well as an assortment of balloons. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist

She soon reunited with her sister while walking on the sandy shore during the relaxing beach day 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane. 

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior. 

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats. 

The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo’s home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials. 

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun.’ 

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’ 

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day. 

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day

The sisters were seen talking as they strolled next to each other to take a rest near the water

The model additionally wore a pair of chic pumps and added a hat on top of her head that contained a short, netted veil that was placed in front of her face. 

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath. 

The two were pictured walking down steps hand-in-hand in front of what appeared to be a courthouse. They also took other candid snaps while standing outside of a yellow-painted house. 

Earlier this year in March, Culpo opened up about her wellness routine while preparing for their wedding. 

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year,  and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News. 

In regards to herself, she said, ‘Things are definitely changing. During the season I feel like it’s really hard to have a stable routine.’ 

The model explained that she is trying ‘to dial in [on] what I eat, how I workout, the workouts that I do.’

‘Trying to get them in consistently because you only get married once and I want to feel my best. But this past season it was just hard being so far away from my normal routine and where I typically live.’

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath

The San Francisco 49ers player was also seen soaking up the summer sun during the day on the shore 

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun

She was seen splashing in the waves to cool down in the summer heat 

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year, and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News

While McCaffrey played during the busy NFL season, she expressed that there is ‘a lot of traveling back and forth’ in order for her to ‘be there to support him.’ 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian. 

‘Obviously my groom. He definitely has to be there. He’s a non-negotiable,’ she expressed. 

‘Groom, family, great weather. Actually, you know what? I’m going to leave the weather part out because whatever happens, happens.’ 

Culpo also added, ‘I love champagne, so I need to have a good champagne. I love tequila. Great food and then great friends and good energy. Just fun times.’

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time. 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time

She uploaded a series of black and white photos, including the moment that McCaffrey got down on one knee to propose. 

The model held a shock and excited expression on her face, and after saying yes, the couple sweetly embraced. Another close-up snap showed the eye-catching diamond sparkler on her finger from Ring Concierge. 

Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, opened up to People last year about designing the special ring with McCaffrey. 

‘We worked with Christian to thoughtfully design a ring that encompassed Olivia’s trendsetting style while still remaining timeless – a beautifully cut Oval flanked with Epaulette side stones in a handcrafted gold and platinum setting.’

PROVIDENCE – Comeback bids. Family feuds. At least two cops, past and present, on the hunt for legislative seats, including a major in the Cranston police department with a colorful history. And a re-run of the election-year political drama Cioe V. Ruggerio.

With a deadline of 4 p.m. Wednesday to declare candidacy, it appeared that as many as 20 seats in the 38-member Senate might go uncontested, and as many as many as 45 in the 75-member House. As of mid-day, the GOP had only mustered 35 candidates for the 113 legislative seats up for grabs this year.

Next step: the candidates need to gather enough signatures on nominating papers to qualify for the ballot.

Races to watch:

Cioe V. Ruggerio: Lenny Cioe came within 341 votes the first time he challenged Senate President Dominick Ruggerio for his seat, representing Senate District 4 on the Providence-North Providence line, and he actually beat him in some precincts.

A registered nurse, Cioe was the progressive running under the banner of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative against an old school conservative-Democrat in his 70’s.

In 2022, Ruggerio took his challenge more seriously, knocking on doors in his home district in 90-degree heat with a reminder he’d welcome every vote.

Ruggerio acknowledged he won’t be knocking on doors this year as he undergoes treatment for cancer. His health issues left him unable to attend Senate sessions for over a month late in the season.

Shekarchi v. Traversie: House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is facing Dana Traversie, the same Republican challenger he beat 60%-40% two years ago.

Other rematches to watch for:

Several defeated former lawmakers want their seats back.

They include former Rep. Justin Price, the Richmond Republican who took part in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Price acknowledged on social media that he marched to the Capitol, but said he didn’t enter the building and blamed those affiliated with “Antifa” and “Black Lives Matter” for the violence.

Price is challenging Rep. Megan Cotter, the Democrat who beat him two years ago in House District 39 overlapping Exeter, Hopkinton, and Richmond.

Former Rep. Jean Philippe Barros is seeking to recapture the House District 59 seat, representing Pawtucket, that he lost to Rep. Jennifer Stewart.

Former Rep. James McLaughlin of Cumberland initially declared his candidacy for both a Senate seat and House and the House District 57 seat, representing Cumberland and Central Falls, that he lost to Rep. Brendan Voas – a cousin of Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson – two years ago. He filed but then withdrew his candidacy for Pearson’s Senate District 19 seat.

McLaughlin – who cannot run for both seats and will ultimately have to make a choice – was one of the most conservative Democrats in the House and is best remembered for carrying a painting of Jesus with him to House sessions to signal his views on abortion. He filed to run for both seats as an independent.

Former Rep. Bernard Hawkins, a pro-gun Democrat who voted against three major gun safety bills in 2022, is seeking to regain the Glocester-Smithfield House District 53 seat he lost two years ago to Republican Brian Rea, who is not seeking reelection.

After some teasing, Former Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt put out a statement Wednesday afternoon saying she is not running to recapture her old House seat.

Family Affairs:

Get ready for a re-run of the Family Feud: The Johnston battle between Rep. Edward T. Cardillo Jr. who won by 83 votes last time out, and his nephew, Dennis Cardillo Jr. is back on.

The two Cardillos will face each other a second time in the Democratic primary for House District 42, which covers a large swath of Johnston and a small piece of Cranston. A third, more progressive Democrat, Kelsey Coletta – the daughter of House Majority Floor Manager Rep. Jay Edwards, has also filed to run again.

Among the highlights from the 2022 race: Rep. Edward Cardillo said he hired a private investigator to conduct surveillance on his nephew to prove he was lying about living in the district, which his nephew denied Dennis Cardillo accusing his uncle of “stalking.”

The backstory: Rep. Cardillo and his brother, Dennis Cardillo, were mired for years in a bitter, highly litigious dispute over the former Cardillo Bros. scrapyard.

Open seats:

House District 15: With Republican Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung running for Cranston mayor against incumbent Ken Hopkins, Democrat Maria Bucci, who ran and lost to Hopkins four years ago, is seeking Fenton-Fung’s House District 15 seat. Republican Christopher Paplauskas, a Cranston councilman who is a close ally of Hopkins, is also running.

Senate District 26: Cranston Police Major Todd Patalano is one of the three candidates vying for the seat held by Sen. Frank Lombardi, who is not seeking reelection. Patalano is running as a Democrat; Jennifer Caputi as a Republican.

Patalano was placed on paid leave for two years and then promoted in the wake of a scandal – during then-Mayor Allan Fung’s tenure – involving the issuing of parking tickets in two wards, allegedly in retaliation for votes against a proposed police labor contract by the councilmen who represent those wards.

House District 21: With Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson bowing out, current Democratic Warwick City Councilman James McElroy is running. (His daughter, Kelly McElroy, is the chief judge of the Warwick Municipal Court.)

House District 26: With Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan seeking the GOP nod to run for the U.S. Senate, Democrat Earl Read, a retired Warwick police officer and current public school teacher; Republican Jeffrey Fisher; and Vin Marzullo, running as an Independent, are vying for the seat.

House District 64: With Rep. Brianna Henries not seeking reelection, two other Democrats have filed to run for her seat: current East Providence School Committee Chairwoman Jenni Furtado and Ashley Pereira.

Pereira agreed earlier this year to pay a $1,500 fine by July for breaches of campaign finance rules when she last ran for the seat in 2022, including use of campaign dollars for personal expenses; failures to report other expenses; and file three quarterly reports, according to a consent agreement with the Board of Elections.