URI Beats Loyola Chicago for Second Straight Win

Rhode Island Starters
Phillips, Komara, Dutat, Vital, Kaur

Loyola Chicago Starters
Kinas, Kika Hodge-Carr, Chievers, Bernard, Theodorsson

How it Happened
Aside from the first bucket of the game, the Rhode Island women’s basketball team led for the entirety of its 67-49 win over Loyola Chicago on Sunday afternoon at the Ryan Center.

The Rams (10-11, 5-3 A-10) quietly built their lead until a decisive 21-point fourth quarter. Rhode Island’s defense limited the Ramblers (11-10, 3-7 A-10) to just 12 points in the final 10 minutes.

Both sides struggled with fouls throughout the day, causing staggered play. Though Rhody was always in control, it wasn’t until a trey made by Harsimran “Honey” Kaur about five minutes into the third quarter that the team achieved a double-digit lead at 36-26. The visitors attempted to reel the Rams back in with a 6-0 run but were unable to get much else going.

Foul trouble put Sophia Vital on the bench during the fourth quarter and with Ines Debroise out (injury), head coach Tammi Reiss turned to Anaelle Dutat to run the point. The junior showcased her ability to beat defenders off the bounce, racking up 11 points, while helping propel URI to its second straight win.

Inside the Box Score
With the result, Rhode Island improved to 2-1 all time against Loyola Chicago.
Forward Anaelle Dutat was one of three Rams to finish with double-digit points, joined by guard Sophie Phillips (17, game high) and center Harsimran “Honey” Kaur (16).
Kaur matched her career high with 15 boards, hauling in six during the fourth quarter alone, to help achieve her eighth double-double of the season.
Dutat matched her career high with four assists. She collected eight rebounds and turned the ball over just once.
Freshmen Ayanna Franks and Palmire Mbu scored nine points apiece off the bench. Mbu added seven rebounds to pad her stat line, while Franks stayed on the floor for a career-high 20 minutes.
The 49 points scored by Loyola Chicago are the second-least that the Rams have allowed in Atlantic 10 play this season. The team limited St. Bonaventure to 48 back on Jan. 2.
Rhode Island out-rebounded the Ramblers, 44-32.
Loyola Chicago’s bench outscored URI’s, 25-18. The Ramblers also had five steals to the Rams’ four.
The Rams played without guard Ines Debroise (knee).
Rhody’s game was preceded by the athletic department’s annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic.
Up Next
Rhode Island will hit the road for a game at Fordham on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Rose Hill Gym.