SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — The Rhode Island women’s basketball team cruised to a 69-39 victory over Fordham in an Atlantic 10 Conference game Saturday at Ryan Center. The host Rams seized control with a 17-5 second-quarter advantage and never relented, outscoring Fordham in every period. Albina Syla led Rhode Island with 16 points and nine rebounds. Fordham, which managed only five points in the second quarter, was led by Alexis Black’s eight points. Rhode Island improved to 24-3 overall. Fordham fell to 10-17. Attendance was 2,528.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — The Atlantic 10-leading Rhode Island Rams showcased their defensive dominance and offensive balance in a commanding 69-39 victory over the Fordham Rams on Saturday at the Ryan Center. Rhode Island, now 24-3 overall and bolstered by a stifling defense, held Fordham to a season-low in points and a frigid 28.8% shooting performance from the floor. The visiting Rams from Fordham managed only 17 field goals on 59 attempts and connected on just 2 of 10 from three-point range. The offensive struggles were encapsulated by an efficiency rating of 57.4 points per 100 possessions. In contrast, Rhode Island operated with precision, posting an offensive rating of 108.7. While their three-point shooting was also off at 3 for 16, they dominated the interior, outscoring Fordham 44-26 in the paint and capitalizing on second chances with 19 offensive rebounds. Rhode Island also converted 16 of 22 free throw attempts, while Fordham attempted only four. The most important stretch of the game came early in the second half, as Rhode Island methodically extended a 25-19 halftime lead into an insurmountable advantage. A 9-2 run to open the third quarter, fueled by interior baskets from Albina Syla and Sophia Vital, pushed the lead to 13 points. Fordham never recovered, as Rhode Island’s defense continued to force difficult shots and turnovers, leading to a 21-point margin heading into the final period. Albina Syla, a 6-foot-5 center from Vantaa, Finland, led all scorers with 16 points and added nine rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes. Her presence anchored Rhode Island’s defense and provided a consistent scoring threat inside. She was supported by a deep and international roster. Ines Debroise of Paris scored 10 points, while fellow French forward Aimee Michel came off the bench to contribute 11 points and four rebounds in just 11 minutes. Brooklyn Gray added eight points and seven rebounds, and Sophia Vital filled the stat sheet with six points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Fordham, which fell to 10-17, was led by Alexis Black with eight points. Emma Wilson-Saltos and Tia Morgan each added six points. The team committed 15 turnovers and managed only seven assists on their 17 made baskets. The victory marked Rhode Island’s second win over Fordham this season, following a 61-47 result on Jan. 31 in the Bronx. Rhode Island entered the contest as an overwhelming favorite, with statistical models giving them a 97.8% probability to win, and they executed accordingly to maintain their position atop the conference. Fordham will look to rebound on Wednesday when they host Davidson. Rhode Island continues its conference title pursuit on the road at Richmond the same night.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — A clash of Rams will see two Atlantic 10 women’s basketball teams on vastly different trajectories meet Saturday when Fordham visits No. -ranked Rhode Island at the Ryan Center. Rhode Island (23-3, 13-2 A-10) enters as one of the conference’s dominant forces, its record marred only by a surprising 63-59 loss at La Salle on Wednesday. That defeat snapped a seven-game winning streak. Prior to that, Rhode Island had won 15 of its last 16, showcasing a balanced attack and stifling defense that has held opponents to an average of 52.2 points per game in conference play. Fordham (10-16, 6-9), meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, losing eight of its last ten games. The visiting Rams are coming off an 80-67 home loss to Duquesne on Feb. 14, a game in which they allowed 50 second-half points. Fordham’s offense has been a persistent issue, failing to reach 50 points in four of its last seven contests. The teams met just three weeks ago in the Bronx, with Rhode Island securing a 61-47 victory. Fordham guard Lakresha Edwards was held scoreless in that Jan. 31 matchup, but she enters this rematch coming off a career-high 24-point performance against Duquesne. Her scoring will be critical for a Fordham team that ranks near the bottom of the A-10 in offensive production. Rhode Island will counter with forward Palmire Mbu, a versatile defender and efficient scorer. Mbu had 10 points and five rebounds in the first meeting and has been a key contributor during the team’s successful season, including a 17-point, 7-rebound effort in a key win at Dayton last month. For Rhode Island, the game is a chance to rebound and solidify its standing atop the league ahead of the conference tournament. For Fordham, it represents one of its toughest remaining tests and an opportunity to play spoiler against a ranked rival on the road. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST.