After 30 years, the University of Rhode Island women’s basketball team is one sleep away from “The Big Dance,” beginning this weekend on Friday with practice and press conferences.
“I thought we were playing today,” Rhode Island Head Coach Tammi Reiss said. “[The team was] like, Coach, we play Saturday. So we’re excited to be here. Team’s excited. We’re ready and just proud that we’re representing the University of Rhode Island in March Madness.”
Following their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship victory over George Mason University on March 8, the Rams secured a No. 11 seed in March Madness, set to take on No. 6 seed, the University of Alabama.
Rhode Island is riding a historic season, setting a program record with 28 wins and just four losses. The Rams’ season is highlighted by a record 17-game win streak that spanned 77 days and set Rhody squarely atop the A-10.
“We’re playing against girls that know how to win ball games,” Alabama fourth-year guard Karly Weathers said. “I think that they’re a really great team. They’re very balanced. They’re a team that doesn’t beat themselves.”
The Crimson Tide entered the tournament with an at-large bid after falling in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament to the eventual champions, the University of Texas at Austin, 83-60 on March 6.
This is Alabama’s fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament in six years, as well as its fourth consecutive year making the tournament, all under head coach Kristy Curry.
Rhody’s only tournament appearance was in the 1995-96 season, when they received an at-large bid after going 21-8 on the season. The Rams are 0-1 in the tournament, while the Crimson Tide are 19-14 all-time.
Despite URI’s lack of experience in the tournament, Reiss played in three-straight Final Four games at the University of Virginia from 1990-92.
“The game, everything about television, our coverage, media, it’s just a whole different bear,” Reiss said. “I’ve never been prouder to be a part of women’s basketball.”
Reiss appeared in eight tournaments as an assistant coach as well, including four straight with Syracuse University before taking over at Rhode Island in 2019.
“We’re playing a great Rhode Island team,” Curry said. “They’re just very, very well-coached. So we’re excited for the challenge and the opportunity.”
This will be URI and Alabama’s first time meeting. Rhody’s leading scorer is fourth-year guard Brooklyn Gray, averaging 12.5 points per game. The Crimson Tide is led by fifth-year guard Jessica Timmons, who averages 16.4 points per game.
“There is one specific guard that I think is a menace,” Reiss said. “I think she has the total package. She shoots the three at almost 40%. She attacks the rim at will and leads their team. When they need a bucket, they’ll run ISO plays for her. That’s Jessica Timmons.”
URI led the A-10 in defense, holding opponents to an average of 53.8 points per game. Third-year guard Sophia Vital leads the Rams in steals with 62, while second-year center Albina Syla averages seven rebounds per game.
“They do an amazing job of running their set plays,” Curry said. “I think discipline on defense from our close-outs to every aspect of our communication will be critical to our success. They love to set the pace, and [URI does] a really good job of shrinking games in possession.”
The Rams return to action on Saturday after a 13-day break between games. Learning their opponent on Selection Sunday, Rhode Island spent the past three days of practice preparing for Alabama and implementing its game plan, according to Reiss.
“After we won the championship, we had to give them a couple days off,” Reiss said. “There’s a very big break before you even know your opponent. Getting their legs back, getting them healthy, giving them a good rest. At this time of the year, it’s really health.”
Hosted by the University of Louisville, the KFC Yum! Center can hold more than double the Ryan Center’s max capacity. Rhode Island’s lone game in an Atlantic Coast Conference venue this season resulted in a ranked win over then No. 16 North Carolina State on Nov. 23, 2025.
“We’re coming in this tournament to really compete,” Vital said. “I feel like NC State proved that we can really compete with these type teams.”
Reiss didn’t leave much of Saturday’s game plan to the imagination, focusing on the team doing what has worked all season. She highlighted her keys to the game as limiting turnovers, transition defense and offense, defending the three-pointer and rebounding.
“On this stage, it’s really hard to prepare,” Reiss said. “Nothing is like a game. It just isn’t. When those cameras come, and the lights turn on and you’ve got ‘Bama looking you straight in the eye, they’re going to have to start really well and really disciplined and solid.”
URI’s clash with the Crimson Tide tips off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNEWS, as well as on the radio on The Varsity Network and WRIU 90.3 FM.
