Sophie Phillips Comes up Clutch for URI Against Harvard in WNIT Rematch

A superb defensive effort for the first three quarters combined with late heroics by Sophie Phillips helped Rhode Island hold off Harvard 59-56 Thursday.

The Rams (8-5) led by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, but Harvard (6-6) battled back. A Katie Krupa 3-pointer for put the Crimson up 56-55 with 52 seconds left. It was Harvard’s first lead since a 5-2 advantage in the first quarter.

With Rhody needing a hoop, Phillips drained a highly-defended, off-balance 3-pointer with 36 seconds left to put URI back in front, 58-56. The defense then forced a missed layup by Lola Mullaney (15 points), giving Rhody the lead and the ball with 20 seconds to go.

Phillips was fouled and made 1-of-2 at the line for a three-point lead. Mullaney missed a long 3-pointer to tie the game, and Dutat got the rebound to help secure the win.

Inside the Box Score
The 56 points were a season low for Harvard, which came into the game averaging 71.8 points per game.
Rhode Island limited the Crimson to 18 points in the first half, the lowest in any half for Harvard this year. Harvard had just five first-quarter points, also its lowest in any period this season.
Forward Mayé Touré controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots.
She had 10 of her 18 points in the third quarter.
Guard Sophie Phillips had an efficient 12 points, shooting 4-of-6 from the floor. She was 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
Guard Dee Dee Davis had 12 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Guard Teisha Hyman scored 11 points, all of which came in the second quarter. She had eight rebounds as well.
Forward Anaelle Dutat had 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Rhode Island had a 12-0 edge in second-chance points.
Up Next
Rhode Island opens Atlantic 10 play when it plays at Saint Louis Saturday at 8 p.m. EST. The game will stream on ESPN+.