Ravenscroft center Marcus Bryan was instrumental in the Ravens’ 72-56 win over Word of God on Wednesday night. Coach Kevin Billerman said Bryan (pictured right) played some of his best basketball in the second half.

In the first half though, Bryan moved into second place in rebounds in school history. He needed just two rebounds to move ahead of Nate Williams, who had 656 in his career.

Bryan grabbed his second rebound early in the first quarter.  

“It feels pretty good,” Bryan said of the accomplishment.  “I’m working toward first.”

Bryan will have to put in a lot of work to catch Ryan Kelly, who left the school with 950 rebounds.

In the win over the Rams, Bryan finished with 11 rebounds to bring his total to 665. He also finished with 19 points and five blocks.

“I think in the first half, Marcus missed some shots and had a couple ball go through his hands,” Billerman said. “In the second half he was fabulous. Marcus certainly dominated the backboard.”

UPDATE: A savvy reader points me to this youtube video illustrating the similarities between fight songs at UNC and URI.

Oh boy, this could get confusing.

So UNC and the University of Rhode Island are squaring off in the Final Four...of the NIT. 

A couple points of interest here. 

First, the mascots of both universities are rams. 

But wait, there's more.

The color scheme? The one Tar Heel fans love to claim for their own? All that "Sky is Carolina Blue..." stuff?

Well, Rhode Island has the same color.

Here's your evidence.

On the left, there's former Rhode Island star Lamar Odom - better known these days as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and Charles Barkley's sidekick in an absolutely awful new Taco Bell commercial.

On your right, a bunch of guys Roy Williams wishes he still had this season.

Similar, huh?

The game's next Tuesday at 9 p.m. on ESPN. Don't miss it.