Our good friends the Rhode Island Rams men's basketball program will ring in the new year with a trip to Conte Forum to face the Boston College Eagles in the Al Skinner Classic presented by Eastern Clothing of Watertown.

"The Rams will open the 2012 calendar year with a non-conference matchup on Jan. 2 at Boston College.

It marks the third consecutive season that the Rams and Eagles have met on the hardwood. Rhody has captured the last two meetings, including a 67-65 win last season at the Thomas M. Ryan Center."

The Rams are coming off a 20-14 season in 2010-11. Rhody lost to Richmond 55-45 in the Atlantic 10 Tournament and their season ended at the hands of the Central Florida Knights in the second round of the CBI.

And of course, the Rams have won the last two meetings against the Eagles, including a heartbreaking 67-65 loss to the Rams that broke a BC seven game winning streak. Though the Rams have won the last two, it's the Eagles that own an overwhelming 32-12 edge in the all-time series.