The University of Rhode Island women’s basketball team opened its season Monday on the road against Manhattan University, with defensive dominance in the first half leading to a 56-38 win.
Both teams took their time to get adjusted to game action in a combined 0-15 drought, going scoreless nearly five minutes into the first quarter before second-year forward Palmire Mbu opened the scoring with a three-pointer. After breaking the scoreless tie, Rhody led the rest of the way.
Holding Manhattan to two six-point quarters and sharpshooting from deep helped the Rams take a 32-12 lead into halftime. Mbu stood out on both sides of the ball, leading the first half with 10 points while notching three blocks and grabbing six rebounds.
She ended the game with a double-double, adding one more bucket in the second half and totaling 14 rebounds alongside two more blocks.
“I’m really, really happy with the way we started the game,” Rhode Island Head Coach Tammi Reiss said. “The first half, I thought defensively, was spectacular.”
Manhattan could only muster five first-half field goal makes on 28 shot attempts, with no three-pointers. Rhode Island was much more efficient, making its money from beyond the arc while shooting 7-15.
Instead of building up its lead to begin the second half, URI fell completely out of rhythm. The Rams scored just four points in the third and made one field goal, worse than any quarter last season.
“Coming out of halftime, I think we really lost focus,” Reiss said. “[The] third quarter was abysmal; it was one of the worst third quarters I think you could possibly play.”
After leading the way in the first half, Rhode Island was completely shut out from deep throughout the second half. Manhattan made the most of the miscues, scoring 17 points in the third quarter to cut its deficit to 36-29. The Jaspers took eight trips to the free-throw line to make up 11 of their points.
“Credit to Manhattan, because second half, they had a really hard time guarding us,” Reiss said. “They went to a zone press and really threw a monkey wrench in what we were doing.”
Rhode Island adjusted in the fourth quarter to finish strong. Second-year center Albina Syla finished off her first career start by leading the Rams with six points and five rebounds in the fourth to secure URI’s second double-double of the game.
“In the fourth quarter, we responded,” Reiss said. “I’m happy with how they played through and fought through adversity.”
Syla was supported by five other Rams who scored in the final quarter, giving URI an even 20 points in its highest-scoring quarter of the game.
With a third straight season-opener win, Rhode Island will return to action for its home opener against Merrimack College next.
“Overall, good road victory,” Reiss said. “Good to be home on Friday; hope to see Rhody nation there against Merrimack. Let’s keep this ball rolling.”
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. from the Ryan Center on Friday; it will be broadcast on ESPN+ and available on the radio on RIU2.org and The Varsity Network.
